[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22805]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



             TRIBUTE TO FIREFIGHTER, ROBERT C. BRANNON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT E. WISE, JR.

                            of west virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2000

  Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert C. 
Brannon, Jr., a fallen firefighter from Bluefield, West Virginia, who 
passed away at the age of 43 after suffering a heart attack while 
battling a house fire.
  Robert C. Brannon, Jr. lived his life with integrity, dignity and 
honor. He was a man known for his service to his family, his church, 
and his community. As an alumnus of West Virginia University and 
Bluefield State University, he was well-educated and well-rounded and 
used his education in business and engineering to help people in need. 
Mr. Brannon served as lieutenant and fire inspector for the Bluefield 
Fire Department.
  Although Mr. Brannon's life was cut short, he lived it to the 
fullest. Before serving over 20 years with the Bluefield Fire 
Department he enjoyed growing up in Bluefield, West Virginia. As a boy, 
he played little league, wrote for his high school newspaper and was on 
his high school basketball team. As an adult, Robert C. Brannon, Jr. 
not only gained the technical knowledge to create and design web pages 
but also was skilled as an electrician, carpenter, stoneworker and 
painter.
  Known by his friends and family as Bob, he was a loyal friend, 
husband and father. Bob, along with his wife Cindy, showed love and 
guidance to their two sons Jonathan and Jeffrey. He and his family were 
also active in Christ Episcopal Church in Bluefield.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that this House please join me in recognizing and 
honoring the life of service and dedication of Robert C. Brannon, Jr., 
and commemorate his sacrifice of service as a Bluefield firefighter.

                          ____________________