Saving Lives . . .
. . . Protecting Property A special supplement to the Wednesday, October 13, 2010 edition of the Amite Tangi Digest and the Kentwood News Ledger.
Lee Gray, CPA Laura Gray White, CPA Susan Webb, CPA Beckie Hendry Angel Major Amy Dees
L E E G R AY Certified Public Accountant Serving this area since 1963
We Salute our hometown Fire Fighting professionals
Phone (985) 748-9067 Fax (985) 748-4370 E-Mail: lg@leegraycpa.com P.O. Box 368 601 Courtney Drive Amite, Louisiana 70422
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kentwood volunteer fire department
KENTWOOD VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. Members front row from left are Fire Chief Tommy Simmons, Colton Strickland, Daniel Hilbun, Brianne Forrest, Jessica Venable, Renee Deck, and Allyce Cutrer. Back row from left are Brock Forrest, Jane Wickham, Keith Wickham, Marty Simpson, Randall Love, Russ Tolar, Tim Alford, Fay Marcus, Shannon Sanders, David Marcus, Britt Kazerooni, Paul Fussell and Frank Gehringer.
Coon’s Auto Salvage & Wrecker Service Let us Haul Off Your Old Vehicles! 713 13th St. • Kentwood, LA
985-229-8638
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saving Lives . . . Protecting Property
roseland volunteer fire department ROSELAND VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. Front row from left are Jerry McCoy, Clay Widas, and Michael Lambert. Back row from left are Allen Moore, John Pierce, Assistant Chief Tommy Brown, Chad Hickey, and Chris Farrell.
Chief John Pritchett, Jr.
Pritchett Auto repair General Repair • Air Conditioning • Timing Belt • Tune Ups • Scan 62385 Commercial St. • Roseland
985-748-4145
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firefighters ~ a personal look
T. J. Spencer - IFD proud to serve It’s not an easy decision to choose a career path that is fraught with danger and heartache, but for the possibility of offering hope, certain brave men and women do. Every day, firefighters are faced with people losing their possessions, or worse, to the flames; however, the responders meet that possibility head-on every time they go out for a call. They do it all to minimize the loss and suffering and to protect the citizens in their area. When asked about what he values in his position as a fireman, T. J. Spen-
cer with the Independence Fire Department replied, “the great feeling I get after helping someone!” Mr. Spencer’s path as a firefighter started a couple generations back. Knowing that his grandfather John Polito, Sr. had served as fire chief in the past, T. J. Spencer saw the road to becoming a fireman from a young age. Although he originally planned to be a military firefighter, Spencer is attached to the Independence community and is very glad to be serving with IFD.
Sandee Mulkey ~voluntary service~
Even though many fire departments have crews and shifts on duty at all times, it takes a lot of hands to respond to emergencies. That’s why fire chiefs and professional firefighters will gladly speak their appreciation for the volunteers who assist them at the firehouse and on calls. On the other hand, volunteers see a working environment that is very demanding, but some may be willing
to step up further. Sandee Mulkey, a volunteer with the Independence Fire Department, is just such a person. Having just graduated from an EMT basic class, Mulkey has intentions to go through the academy some day in the future and become a member of the firefighting force. Until then, she is glad to come out to the IFD firehouse and work with the crews there as often as she can.
Stories by John Howell
AMITE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. From left are Mimi Robertson, Daina McClain, Barry Volkmann, and Richard Cutrer. Not shown are David Wickham, Lawrence Braase and John Houeye.
This “Saving Lives . . . Protecting Property” 2010 Fire Prevention special edition was made possible by Beverly Delancey, Marcia Sims, Margaret Andrews, Alissa Cannon, Virgil Howell, Joy Lofton, Amy Miller, and John Howell. Thank You to our advertisers. And most importantly, THANK YOU to our brave men and women firefighters! On the cover: Roseland Volunteer Firefighters from left are Clay Widas, Michael Lambert, Chad Hickey, Chris Farrell, and Allen Moore.
McKneely & Vaughn Funeral Home 60100 Westway Dr. • Amite, LA 70422
985-747-9801
www.mckneelyvaughnfh.com
Owners: Wall & Rosilyn McKneely and Ronnie & Kim Vaughn
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saving Lives . . . Protecting Property
tangipahoa parish fire district #1 ~ a shift TANGIPAHOA PARISH FIRE DISTRICT #1 A-SHIFT. Front row from left are Firefighter Michael Dupuy, Chief Bruce Cutrer, Firefighter Ethan Givens, and Firefighter Clay Widas. Back row from left are Firefighter A. J. Petitto, Captain Scott Gay, District Chief George Coxen, and Captain Jason Schwebel.
The Firefighter’s Prayer When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage; Give me strength to save some life, whatever be its age. Help me embrace a little child before it is too late Or save an older person from the horror of that fate. Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, And quickly and efficiently to put the fire out. I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me, To guard my every neighbor and protect his property. And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life; Please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife. TPFD #1 A-SHIFT DISTRICT CHIEF George Coxen.
Author Unknown
TPFD #1 CHIEF BRUCE CUTRER.
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k You n a h T : s r te h ig F e ir unity safe. m m To all our area F o c r u o p e e k u do to for all yo
DRUG STORE 228 First Street • Amite • 985-748-8307
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tangipahoa parish fire district #1 ~ b shift
TANGIPAHOA PARISH FIRE DISTRICT #1 B-SHIFT. Front row from left are Firefighter Patrick Dees, Chief Bruce Cutrer, Firefighter Hunter Perry and Firefighter Josh Mitchell. Back row from left are Captain C. J. Pardue, District Chief J. D. Stevens, Captain Nate Alkazin, and Firefighter Gary Boudreaux.
TPFD #1 B-SHIFT DISTRICT CHIEF J. D. Stevens.
Get Fired Up Over Dance Classes!
Our endless thanks and support go out to all of our area firefighters. Thanks for your courage, strength and dedication when our community needs you most. Help prevent fires: Hold family fire drills at home! Remember to install smoke detectors and check them twice a year.
McKneely Funeral Home 501 Ave. G • Kentwood • 985-229-5111 110 E. Factory St. • Amite • 985-748-7178
Preschool Classes Hip Hop Classes Tumbling Classes Jazz Classes Get Ready for Dance Team & Cheerleading Tryouts
www.atocdance.com A TOUCH OF CLASS PERFORMING ARTS Downtown Amite
985-747-1111
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saving Lives . . . Protecting Property
tangipahoa parish fire district #1 ~ c shift
TANGIPAHOA PARISH FIRE DISTRICT #1 C-SHIFT. Front row from left are Firefighter Dennis Pitts, Chief Bruce Cutrer, Firefighter A. J. Schroeder and Firefighter Sal Arnone. Back row from left are Firefighter Timmy Verberne, Captain Mike Braase, District Chief Tommy Schwebel, and Captain Jason King.
BATES TRUCKING, INC. 1107 9TH STREET • KENTWOOD
985-229-7852 Millers Insurance Agency 314 West Oak Street, Ste A Amite
Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm Amite Only Saturday 9 am - 1:30 pm
985-748-7434 318 East Railroad Ave. Independence
985-878-2828
“We Specialize In Customer Service”
TPFD #1 C-SHIFT DISTRICT CHIEF Tommy Schwebel.
Dameron-Jones Insurance Low Rates on Automobiles, Mobile Homes, Homeowners & Motorcycles
Call for a Quote Today! 921 N. Morrison Blvd. • Hammond
985-345-7471
Special Thanks to All Our Volunteer Firemen
Simmons Texaco 733 Ave G • Kentwood
985-229-8088 Your Business is Appreciated!
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wilmer volunteer fire department
WILMER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. From left are Barry McDaniel, Cindy Parnell, Chris St. Alexandre, Jack Hilton, Doug Creel, Curtis Jones, Chief Matt Travis, Larry Bankston, Brandon Fairburn, Henry Hookfin, Michael Bankston, Brian Kellem, Angela Milton, Dusty Milton, Bo Lillie and Stephen Bankston.
See us for good
USED FURNITURE
Penny Pincher Thrift Store
DAILY ARRIVALS Furniture • Winter Clothes Shoes • Dishes • Etc.
213 W. Oak St. • Amite • (985) 748-6849
Good Job, Firefighters! McDaniel Hauling 65099 Oilfield Rd Kentwood, LA
985-335-0581
Why settle for JUNK... when you can have
QUALITY Used Parts?
Truck & Auto Salvage Dale Coon, Owner
2073 Hwy 48 E • Magnolia, MS 39652 Phone 601-783-3777 • Toll Free 1-888-692-2612 The NEW business with the MOST experience! New Windshield Installations • New Tire Dealer
Support our Firefighters
B&V Quick Stop Corner of Hwy 10 & Hwy 1058 Roseland
748-5351
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saving Lives . . . Protecting Property
independence fire department
INDEPENDENCE FIRE DEPARTMENT A SHIFT. Shown from left are Pete Giamalva, Edward Hernandez and Eric Anthony. Not pictured is Jonathan Tallo.
INDEPENDENCE FIRE DEPARTMENT C SHIFT. Shown from left are David Maurer, Cody Morgan, Keesler Fly and Captain Brady Lee. Not pictured is Jarred Wrinkles.
INDEPENDENCE FIRE DEPARTMENT B SHIFT. Shown from left are Jarrett Hughes, Jeremy Baham, Tony Starkey, T.J. Spencer and Volunteer Firefighter Sandee Mulkey.
INDEPENDENCE FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF. Shown is Chief Dennis Crocker.
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osyka volunteer fire department
OSYKA VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. Kneeling from left are Will Blackwell, Joey Pigott and Johnny Phelps. Second row from left are Angela Terrell, Asst. Chief Susan Terrell, Doug Lawrence, Leah Posey, Delisa Zeigler, Shaun Ebers, Rachel Harrell, Renee Deck, and Luther Terrell. Sitting Chief Gerald Griffith. Members not shown are Dakota Naquin, Dustin Golman, Gary Zeigler, Felder Smith, Donavan Taylor, Shane Pigett, Chris Hutson and Ricky Lee.
Cypress Sawmill 11467 Seibert Rd • Roseland • 985-747-8401
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Saving Lives . . . Protecting Property
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husser volunteer fire department
HUSSER VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT. Front row from left are Monette Scott, Rose Constanzi, Susan Husser, Amber Rushing and Bailey Raycraft. Second row from left are Ted Husser, Julius Scott, Laci Kyzar, Scott Bakle, Anthony Fox, Eric Vernon, Aaron Vernon and David Jenkins. Third row from left are Wilton Devall, William Ferguson, Simon Graziano, Assistant Chief Larry Fox, James Bailey, Joe Clark, Mickey Simpson, Waylon Orgeron, Ryan Bottolfs and Bryan Autin. On the truck step are Ethan Dunn and Chief Dale Vernon.
Bless our Firefighters!
Tangi Pines Nursing Center 709 E. North Place • Amite
985-748-9464
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What Is A Firefighter? He is the guy next door – a man’s man, with the memory of a little boy. He has never gotten over the excitement of engines and sirens and danger. He is a guy like you and me with wants and worries and unfilled dreams. Yet he stands taller than most of us. He is a firefighter. He puts it all on the line when the bell rings. A firefighter is, at once, the most fortunate and the least fortunate of men. He is a man who saves lives because he has seen too much death. He is a gentle man because he has seen the awesome power of violence out of control. He is responsive to a child’s laughter because his arms have held too many small bodies that will never laugh again. He is a man who appreciates the simple pleasures of life – a warm bed for bone and muscle, compelled beyond feeling – the camaraderie of brave men – the divine peace and selfless service of a job well done in the name of all men. When he marches, it is to honor a fallen comrade. He doesn’t preach the brotherhood of man. He lives it. Author Unknown
Amite Fire & Safety, LLC FULL LINE OF SAFETY PRODUCTS FOR YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS SALES • SERVICE • REPAIRS PORTABLE FIRE
EXTINGUISHERS Bruce Cutrer, Owner AND RELATED SAFETY EQUIPMENT C.J. Pardue, Certified Technician • 985-247-5788