[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 112 (Wednesday, July 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   IN TRIBUTE TO ROBERT LELAND KNIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE BARTON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2008

  Mr. BARTON of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and 
honor a true Texas hero. Teague Fire Chief Robert Leland Knight was 
killed in the line of duty on July 5th. He was only 42-years-old.
  Chief Knight was a member of the Teague Volunteer Fire Department for 
almost 20 years. He became chief in 1999.
  But his involvement in the community didn't stop there. He was also a 
volunteer paramedic, a member of the Boggy Masonic Lodge No. 739, and 
active in the First United Methodist Church.
  He was also a proud graduate of Texas A&M University. I am honored to 
call myself an Aggie, not just because it is a great institution, but 
because it produces great men like Chief Knight.
  Friends and family will tell you his love of his community and his 
alma mater were only trumped by one thing--his love of family. Chief 
Knight was a brother, a husband and a father. He is survived by his 
wife Terri Jo and his children--son, Trent and daughters, Layla and 
Laura.
  My prayers are with Chief Knight's family and the town of Teague as 
they struggle to overcome this great loss. I hope they are comforted by 
the good memories and the examples of service to others he left with 
them.
  Thousands of volunteer first responders put their lives on the line 
everyday. They run into burning buildings, respond to medical 
emergencies, and confront criminals--not because it's their job, but 
because they want to make their community a better, safer place.
  Chief Knight made Teague and the State of Texas a better, safer 
place. Even though he is now gone, I am hopeful the way he lived will 
inspire a new generation of community volunteers because that would be 
the best way to honor this heroic man.

                          ____________________