[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 14]
[Senate]
[Page 18631]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      CHIEF ROB STONE: IN MEMORIAM

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I honor the memory of a 
dedicated public servant, battalion chief Rob Stone of the California 
Department of Forestry. From the time he became a seasonal firefighter 
at the age of 18, Chief Stone devoted his adult life to providing the 
citizens of California with safety and service. On September 6, 2006, 
while assessing a fire from the air and coordinating ground 
firefighting efforts, Chief Stone was tragically killed in the line of 
duty when the spotter plane crashed in the rugged forest of the 
Mountain Home State Park.
  Upon graduation from high school, Chief Stone attended the California 
Department of Forestry Firefighting Academy to pursue his lifelong goal 
of becoming a firefighter. His prodigious talents were evident as Chief 
Stone moved in rank from firefighter to become one of the youngest 
engineers ever in the California Department of Forestry. He was then 
promoted to captain, and his most recent assignment was battalion chief 
of the Porterville Air Attack Base. Chief Stone's commitment to 
excellence, coupled with his passion for his profession, enabled him to 
become a model member of the California Department of Forestry. Chief 
Stone's colleagues shall always remember him for his leadership and 
commitment to his job.
  Chief Stone is survived by his wife Randi, son Wil, and daughter 
Libbie; parents Cliff and Janet; sister Melissa Martin; brother Marty; 
and his grandmother Louise Lyons. When he was not on duty or spending 
time with his family, Chief Stone was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed 
gathering cows, hunting, fishing, and camping. Chief Stone served the 
State of California with honor and distinction and fulfilled his oath 
as a firefighter. His contributions and dedication to firefighting are 
greatly appreciated and will serve as a shining example of his legacy.
  We shall always be grateful for Chief Stone's exemplary service and 
the sacrifices he made while serving and protecting the people and the 
land that he loved.

                          ____________________