Bill Flores: “On February 15 and 16, a couple of weeks ago, America lost two more heroes and dedicated first responders. On those…”

“On February 15 and 16, a couple of weeks ago, America lost two more heroes and dedicated first responders. On those dates, the Bryan Fire Department responded to a fire at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Bryan, Texas. This blaze was fierce, and ultimately the roof collapsed, taking the lives of Lieutenant Eric Wallace and Lieutenant Gregory Pickard. In addition, firefighters Ricky Mantey, Jr., and Mitch Moran were critically injured during the rescue operation. Lieutenant Gregory Pickard was born in Guymon, Oklahoma, and eventually made his way to the great State of Texas. Pickard was a 32- year veteran of the Bryan Fire Department. During those 32 years, he served our community through one of the darkest days of our community, the collapse of the bonfire at Texas A&M University. Lieutenant Pickard served as a rescue division commander during the search and rescue of the victims and, ultimately, the 12 fallen students. He rose through the ranks and served as battalion chief from 1999 to 2005 before choosing to step back to lieutenant to finish out his career. Pickard also served as an EMT and obtained his Advanced Firefighter certificate, and he was a leader in establishing many of the current Bryan Fire Department firefighting operations. Lieutenant Eric Wallace was born here in our Nation's capital and, just like Lieutenant Pickard, eventually found his way to Texas. He also adapted quickly to our Texas culture and became an avid hunter.…”