[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     PAYING TRIBUTE TO ROB JOHNSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 23, 2004

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
pay tribute to the life and legacy of Rob Johnson of Redmond, Oregon. 
Rob bravely battled the Storm King Mountain Fire outside the town of 
Glenwood Springs, Colorado in 1994, but succumbed to the blaze along 
with thirteen fellow firefighters while working to protect the City. I 
personally served as a firefighter and understand the risks they face 
each and every day. Witnessing the awful inferno that fateful July day, 
I know Rob and his comrades battled the fire with the utmost courage 
and valor. With the tenth anniversary of the Storm King Fire 
approaching, I believe it appropriate to recognize the sacrifice Rob 
and the Storm King Firefighters made on behalf of a grateful community, 
state and nation.
  Rob grew up in Roseburg, Oregon, and graduated from high school in 
the top ten percent of his class. He attended Oregon State University 
and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration 
with honors in 1991, and passed the Certified Public Accounting Exam on 
his first attempt. He began working as a firefighter in 1987 to help 
pay for his education and joined the Prineville Hotshots in 1992, an 
elite group of firefighters who specialize in wildland fire 
suppression. An avid outdoorsman, Rob enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing, 
water skiing, golf, and soccer. He was a hard worker and dedicated 
member of his crew. Above all, he was devoted to his family and 
friends.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise before this body of Congress and 
this nation to pay tribute to the life and memory of Firefighter Rob 
Johnson. Rob personified the Hotshots credo of Safety, Teamwork, and 
Professionalism; putting himself in harm's way for unfamiliar people 
and places. He made the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved, and I, 
along with the Glenwood Springs community and the State of Colorado are 
eternally grateful to this brave young man.

                          ____________________