Tom Udall: “I rise today to honor Rick Lupe, White Mountain Apache, expert firefighter, loving husband, devoted father and true…”

“I rise today to honor Rick Lupe, White Mountain Apache, expert firefighter, loving husband, devoted father and true hero. Lately, we hear the word ``hero'' tossed around often, too often; but I am here to tell you that Mr. Lupe deserves this term being used alongside his name forever. In his capacity as lead forestry technician and firefighter for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he saved lives and even towns from death and destruction. Sadly, he paid the ultimate price, but not before leaving a legacy we should all admire. Richard Glenn Lupe worked his way up the BIA forestry organization through hard work, dependability, and by earning the respect of his coworkers and bosses alike. In June of 2000, two wildfires which began on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona merged into one massive fire which destroyed more than 450 homes and burned over 460,000 acres of forestlands. This fire was the largest wildfire ever in the history of the Southwest. However, even more homes and property would have been lost had it not been for the tenacity and courage of Rick Lupe and his firefighting team. Rick's team set a dozer line strategically placed to foil the coming flames, and it worked. His actions saved the towns of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Hondah Homesites, and McNary from certain destruction. To Evelyn, Rick's wife and life companion of 21 years, and to their sons Sean, Daniel, and Brent, I extend my heartfelt sympathies.”