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I want to tell you all about a brother I never knew. His name was James McMorries, and he was a volunteer firefighter for the small town of Howardwick, Texas.

On March 12, 2006, James McMorries suited up with so many of us in the Texas Panhandle and rolled out to face the worst wildfires in Texas history. The truck he was in rolled, with two other occupants. All were hospitalized, two are still recovering, but on Sunday, April 9, 2006, McMorries lost his battle against the injuries he sustained.

While every firefighter, every police officer, or anyone else who risk their lives to save others deserve credit, it is my belief that volunteer firefighters deserve an extra portion. Because, you see, we don't get a paycheck for our services, nor do we expect one. But the risks we face are every bit as real as someone who does.

McMorries' death hits close to home because on that fateful day, there was one other truck that rolled. A truck from OUR unit. All three of our men were treated and released, but it is only do to the grace of God and quick thinking from the men in the truck. The truck was totalled and when my unit arrived on the scene right after the crash, gasoline was pouring from the gas tank, and we were in the burn zone at the time. Our men could have very easily suffered the same fate as McMorries, and in a town of 500, it is an event that would be felt throughout the community.

I could not write long enough to do justice to the memory of James McMorries, so I won't try. In the world of firefighting, just as in the world of the military, though, one statement rings true: All gave some, some gave all. Mr. McMorries was one who gave all. May God bless him and be with his family.