Submitted by his Daughter
Chief Clifford Harris was with the Rusk Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years‚ 1 month and 24 days at the time of his death.
Clifford loved his community and everyone in the community loved him just as much. At the Rusk Fire Station there is a memorial plaque in his honor and on it‚ it reads‚ ‘Greater love has no one than this‚ that he lay down his life for his friends’ John 15:13. That is just what Clifford did every time there was a call. Not only did Clifford work at the Fire Station he also worked at the Rusk State Hospital in the paint department and had is own paint business on the side.
Clifford received many awards while he served‚ such as Fireman of the Year. After his death he was honored at the Texas State Capital in Austin where his name is on a statue outside of the Capital as well as being honored at the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial.
Clifford is survived by his wife Marilyn‚ and his children Marisa and Melisia.
I had the honor of being the Family Escort for the Clifford Harris family during the Memorial Weekend in 1995. Clifford’s sacrifice has not been forgotten.
– MARK BULLA