[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 89 (Thursday, June 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1236]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                      PAYING TRIBUTE TO JON KELSO

                                 ______
                                 

                           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 Jon Kelso of Prineville, Oregon. 
Jon 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 Jon 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 Jon 
and the Storm King Firefighters made on behalf of a grateful community, 
state and nation.
   Born and raised in Prineville, Jon attended Crook County High School 
where he was very active in athletics as a member on the golf team, the 
manager of the football team, a swimming teacher, and a lifeguard. He 
received a degree in wildlife sciences from Oregon State University, 
and had completed his first year of studies to become a civil engineer. 
In 1985, he joined the Prineville Hotshots, an elite group of 
firefighters who specialize in wildland fire suppression. He was a 
smoke jumper and a squad boss for the sawyers, a skilled crew that cuts 
down trees to prevent the spread of fires. Recognizing Jon's excellent 
academic record and leadership of his hotshot crew, the Bureau of Land 
Management Wildland Firefighter Academy named a Memorial Award after 
Jon that goes to the most outstanding firefighter of the class. 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 Jon 
Kelso. Jon personified the Hotshots credo of Safety, Teamwork, and 
Professionalism; 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 young man.

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