[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 148 (2002), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16254]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                 TRIBUTE TO FALLEN OREGON FIREFIGHTERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 2002

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute today to the life and 
memory of five courageous firefighters. The wildfires, that have swept 
through Colorado, Oregon and other western states, have engulfed 
thousands of acres, requiring the assistance of brave firefighters from 
across the nation. Today we honor Jacob Brent Martindale, Daniel Rama, 
Retha Mae Shirley, Zachary Zigich, and Bartholomew Bailey, all 
dedicated, heroic, brave individuals who selflessly sacrificed personal 
safety, and ultimately their lives for the state of Colorado and fellow 
citizens of our nation. I honor the legacy of each fallen firefighter, 
and praise the accomplishments their selfless dedication has brought to 
our country.
  It is with great sadness that I recount the lives of each, and 
express my condolences to their friends and family. Zachary Zigich, 18 
years of age, was a resident of Twin Falls, Idaho; he was an 
athletically talented individual who excelled in tennis, football, and 
music. He was the middle child of two siblings, and the son of Mike and 
Angie Zigich. He was an emphatic individual who provided his 
firefighting skills and services nobly to his community.
  Jacob Brent Martindale, 20 years of age, was a resident of Boise, 
Idaho. His devotion to nature and environmental protection explains his 
courageous dedication to firefighting. When not working, Jacob could be 
found in the wilderness fishing, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking. 
He was a wonderful friend to many, and he graduated with honors from 
Centennial High School.
  Bartholomew Bailey, 20 years of age, was a resident of Corvallis, 
Oregon and excelled as a skilled, knowledgeable firefighter. Although 
young in age, he surpassed all expectations and impressed his 
colleagues with numerous accomplishments. Bartholomew was noted as an 
exceptional vocalist participating in numerous chamber chorale 
performances. Additionally, he was an exquisite performer on stage, 
awing crowds and packed theaters.
  Retha Mae Shirley, 19 years of age, was a resident of La Grande, 
Oregon who had a flare for exploration. Whether rain or shine, Retha 
was a dependable asset and a key member of her firefighting team. 
Truly, her death is an enormous loss to her peers, and a saddening time 
for her friends and family. Retha was studying at the Oregon Institute 
of Technology's nursing program, working with steadfast determination 
toward her goal to become a doctor. Her brother Jesse and parents Larry 
and Linda survive her.
  Daniel Rama, 28 years of age, was a resident of Baker City, Oregon, 
and lived his existence to fight fires. Dan returned the previous 
evening from two extensive weeks of ``Fire Prevention Training.'' Dan 
was an exceptional student in school, and well respected by his peers. 
Although his family grieves his loss, they embrace the memories of joy 
and comfort he provided. Dan was a valiant firefighter, who devoted his 
life toward the service of his community. It is an honor to acknowledge 
someone of such great integrity and character.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with a sincere heart, I commend these five 
individuals as honorable leaders, patriots, and loyal, dignified 
servicemen and woman of our firefighting community. It is with a heavy 
heart, we pay tribute to each person who gave their life so selflessly 
for the great people of Colorado. I mention each of their names and 
achievements briefly, but in truth, they each deserve more recognition 
than I can offer today. Each courageous firefighter nobly surrendered 
their lives in defense of our nation's forests, and I am honored to pay 
tribute and remembrance in this body of Congress, and before this 
nation's forests and people who live nearby and I am honored to pay 
tribute in this body of Congress, and before this nation to their 
sacrifice.
  Though each of these young firefighters is no longer with us, their 
impact will continue to be felt in the lives of the many they touched 
and remembered by the thousands they worked to protect.

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