[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23629]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING CALIFORNIA'S LOST FIREFIGHTERS

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
honoring the lives of Shawn Blazer, Scott Charlson, Edrik Gomez, 
Matthew Hammer, Dan Packer, Andrew Jackson Palmer, Jim Ramage, Steven 
Renno, Bryan Rich, Roark Schwanenberg, and David Steele. These brave 
men lost their lives while working to protect Californians from 
devastating forest fires.
  On August 5, 2008, seven firefighters and two helicopter pilots were 
tragically killed in a helicopter accident while bravely fighting the 
Iron Complex Fire in Trinity County. I would like to say a few words 
about each of these men.
  Shawn Blazer of Medford, OR, had been working as a firefighter for 1 
year and told his family and friends that he had ``discovered his 
calling.'' Shawn was dedicated to his family and had been caring for 
his mother when he died. He had a passion for photography, computer 
games and playing sports. He is remembered for his dedication and love 
for his friends and family.
  Scott Charlson of Phoenix, OR, was a student at Southern Oregon 
University and worked as a firefighter during the summer to put himself 
through college. He had a passion for journalism, especially covering 
sporting events. His classmates recalled his ethics, excellence in 
reporting and kind and caring nature.
  Edrik Gomez of Ashland, OR, was a student at Southern Oregon 
University, double majoring in communications and political science and 
was in his first year as a firefighter. Gomez was known as a leader 
with great compassion and for his lighthearted spirit, interest in 
politics and close bond with his family and friends.
  Matthew Hammer of Grants Pass, OR, was a recent graduate from Corban 
College with a degree in business. He married his college sweetheart 
this summer and had planned on making 2008 his last fire season as a 
firefighter. He is remembered as an athletic, friendly, fun-loving 
person who excelled under pressure.
  Jim Ramage of Redding, CA, was a helicopter pilot who served in the 
U.S. Army during the Vietnam war and had a distinguished career with 
the U.S. Forest Service and CAL Fire. Friends and family remember Jim's 
passion for aviation and protecting public safety. He is remembered for 
the bonds he created with his friends and the great love he had for his 
family.
  Steven ``Caleb'' Renno of Cave Junction, OR, was a track and field 
coach for his alma mater, Illinois Valley High School, where he 
excelled in both track and cross country. After high school he attended 
Southern Oregon University and worked as a firefighter during summers. 
He will be remembered for his talent as a runner and as an avid 
traveler.
  Bryan Rich of Central Point, OR, was a talented framing carpenter who 
recently began a career in firefighting. He loved spending time 
outdoors, playing sports and is remembered for his dedication to his 
family.
  Roark Schwanenberg of Lostine, OR, was a U.S. Army trained helicopter 
pilot, who many of his colleagues consider one of the best helicopter 
pilots, with whom they have worked. He is remembered for his humor, 
great skill as a pilot, and love for his family and friends.
  David Steele of Bend, OR, was a student at Central Oregon Community 
College and worked as a firefighter during the summer to pay for his 
education. He planned on becoming a career firefighter after graduating 
from both Fire Fighting and Emergency Medical Technician schools. 
Friends and family remember his strong work ethic, love of his family 
and big heart.
  We also mourn the loss of two other brave firefighters from the State 
of Washington who lost their lives battling California wildfires this 
summer.
  Dan Packer of Sumner, WA, was the Chief of the East Piece Fire 
Department and past president of the Washington State Fire Chiefs. He 
had a passion for public safety and was known for his ability to relate 
to anyone. Chief Packer is remembered for his strong leadership 
abilities and dedication to his family. Chief Packer lost his life 
while battling the Panther Fire in Siskiyou County on July 26, 2008.
  Andrew Jackson Palmer of Port Townsend, WA, was a 2008 graduate of 
Port Townsend High School where he was a standout athlete on the 
football team. Andy enjoyed playing a variety of sports and spending 
time with his friends and family. Andy's loved ones recall his kind 
heart, honesty and integrity. Andy tragically died while fighting the 
Iron Complex Fire in Trinity County on July 25, 2008.
  These brave firefighters and pilots, like all those who fight fires 
across California, put their lives on the line to protect our 
communities. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones and my 
thoughts and prayers are with them. We are forever indebted to them for 
their courage, service and sacrifice.

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