November 2, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (SH2005-41)
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
R. Steve Huffman
Public Information Officer
(251) 208-5806/Fax: (251) 208-5813
E-Mail: huffman@cityofmobile.org
OCTOBER FIREFIGHTERS OF THE MONTH
On September 8, 2005, the firefighters at Tapia Fire Station, located on Airport Boulevard at Regency, were spending a relatively quiet evening at the station when a visitor entered the station. It turns out this gentleman was an active firefighter from Columbus, Ohio who, with three friends loaded up their truck and trailer and headed south to deliver supplies and assistance where they could to assist in the disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina.
They stopped to borrow a floor jack so they could check the brakes on their vehicle. The station did not have one available but Firefighter-Driver Rusty Loewen went next door to Big 10 Tires and borrowed one from them. While assisting in helping check the brakes, it was discovered that there was a problem with the brakes on the trailer, they were not connected. Also, the trailer lights and brake lights were not working properly. Loewen who was joined by Firefighter Kenny Newman spent over 2 hours wiring and re-wiring the electrical system so that the vehicle would be safe for operation. These gentlemen were very appreciative and thankful for the "above and beyond" assistance Loewen and Newman provided. They used their own tools and even supplied some electrical parts at no charge to achieve this project and for those exemplary actions and the fact they provided more aid that what was expected of them, Firefighters Loewen and Newmen were selected as the Firefighters of the Month for October.
The Pleasant Valley Opportunity Club who sponsors the Firefighter of the Month program recognized the pair at a breakfast at the Tiny Diny Restaurant.
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