[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      PAYNG TRIBUTE TO DON MACKEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           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 Don Mackey. Don 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 everyday. 
Witnessing the awful inferno that fateful July day, I know Don 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 Don and the Storm King 
Firefighters made on behalf of a grateful community, state and nation.
  Don grew up in Hamilton, Montana where he attended Hamilton High 
School. He became a firefighter in 1984 working in the Bitterroot 
National Forest. He later became a hotshot in 1985 and 1986, an elite 
group of firefighters who specialize in wildland fire suppression. In 
1987 he became a Missoula smokejumper, where he, along with fellow 
smokejumpers would parachute into rough, mountainous terrain to fight 
wildfires in areas of forests inaccessible by any other means. He was a 
dedicated member of his crew, and received a great deal of satisfaction 
from helping others. 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 Don 
Mackey. Don was committed to providing high quality professional fire 
management services to protect our natural resources, putting himself 
in harms 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 man.

                          ____________________