[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PAYING TRIBUTE TO RICHARD TYLER

                                 ______
                                 

                           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 Richard Tyler of Grand Junction, 
Colorado. Rich 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 Rich 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 Rich 
and the Storm King Firefighters made on behalf of a grateful community, 
state and nation.
   Born and raised in Minnesota, Rich graduated from the University of 
Minnesota with a degree in forestry. He moved to Grand Junction in 1985 
where he joined the Western Slope Helitack crew, a specialized group of 
firefighters who are often the first to respond to a wildland fire. 
Rich became the crew's foreman, always putting the safety of his crew 
first. He established the first heli-rappel program in the Rocky 
Mountain area, and was instrumental in developing the Forest Service's 
Interagency Helicopter Operations Guide. In 1994, he was recognized for 
his efforts by the Department of the Interior and received their 
National Aviation Safety Award. He was a good crew leader and received 
a great deal of satisfaction from helping others. Above all, he was 
devoted to his wife and son.
   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 
Richard Tyler. Rich was willing to put 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 man.

                          ____________________