Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 24, 2001
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Locke honors fallen firefighters at memorial service

YAKIMA – At a memorial service today, Gov. Gary Locke honored the four firefighters -- Tom Craven, Karen Lee Fitzpatrick, Jessica Lynn Johnson and Devin Weaver -- who were killed battling the explosive Thirty-Mile Fire on July 10.

“Our state’s incredible natural beauty nourishes our souls. But sometimes, with unexpected swiftness, it breaks our hearts,” said Locke.

The governor spoke of the firefighters’ spirit of service and extended his condolences to the grieving families of the four young men and women, who he said should have savored old age from a porch swing and watched with wonder the lives of their growing children.

“These grieving families will carry on -- a testament to their children’s sacrifice and memory,” Locke said.

“Come summertime next year, the Okanogan Valley will begin to green,” Locke added. “Hikers will venture back to the Chewuch River Valley where Tom, Karen, Devin and Jessica perished. But they won’t walk that revived ground without the memory of our young men and women and their legacy of sacrifice.”

“On behalf of the people of Washington, Mona and I extend our condolences to the families of these firefighters for their unspeakable loss,” the governor said. “And to the entire firefighting community, our heartfelt gratitude for all you stand for and for your sacrifice.”

“God Bless Tom Craven, Karen Fitzpatrick, Devin Weaver and Jessica Johnson,” said Locke. “God bless and keep their family and their friends.”

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