100 Years, Livingston Volunteer Fire Department August 23, 1915 - August 23, 2015
Livingston, August 23, 2015: Corky Cochran has been the Fire Chief in Livingston for over 30 years and keeps a tight ship. Livingston has one of the best VFDs in the State of Texas.
Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Observes 100 Years, LIVINGSTON, August 24, 2015 - At 2 pm on August 23, 2015, Livingston Fire Chief, Corky Cochran and his team of firemen, Livingston Mayor Clark Evans and a host of good people gathered at the Livingston Fire Department Headquarters on Abbey Street to observe 100 years of volunteering by having a wreath laying ceremony. Cochran headed up the entire ceremony and delivered an eloquent and emotional speech as he spoke about the City of Livingston and about its history of handling emergency situations as far back as 1902 when "bucket brigades" and townsmen would get together and do the best they could to put out fires. In one of the most poignant moments of his address, Cochran spoke about one man who, with his efforts, set the example and demonstrated the true spirit of the fireman when the 25 year old man name Mack Zimmerman was in town on December 8th, 1902. A group of ne'er do wells who were angry at Livingston for the city's prohibition on alcohol attempted to burn down a local business by rolling a burning barrel loaded with tar and straw under the business of a man who supported the prohibition (this after they had previously burned down 27 businesses). The business caught fire and local towns people came to put out the fire. Mack Zimmerman, crawled up under the building, and with his hands, pulled the burning barrel out to save the business of a man that he didn't even know. As Zimmerman came out from under the building, more shots pierced the night. Zimmerman sustained a head wound and died two days later. "Mac became a hero" Cochran said, "He never reached his potential. He never had a family." Cochran continued, "...he responded in the true spirit of the fire service, doing what we do today". "His actions represent what we stand for, he's truly part of the brotherhood" "If you don't understand the fire department brother and sisterhood, let me just tell you, it's the greatest bond known to mankind". "The brotherhood stays with you forever, even into retirement and into death". After his speech, Cochran called on Alan Cook to come deliver a prayer to lead us into the next 100 years. Afterwards, the gathering moved outside where a wreath was laid in observance of 100 years of men stepping up and volunteering to help those in need.
A ladder truck with an American Flag marked the vicinity of the gathering.
Cochran's Assistant Chief, John Haynes and his wife, Londa.
Cochran delivered his speech with his men standing nearby as a show of brotherhood and solidarity.
Livingston Mayor, Clark Evans spoke briefly and thanked Cochran and his men for the invaluable service they provide to the community.
Firemen laid a wreath at the fire department flagpole in observance of 100 years of service.
During a moment of silence, fire sirens blared loudly throughout the City of Livingston as Cochran and his men stood in salute.
Current, active firemen for the City of Livingston Volunteer Fire Department.
Current firemen with now retired firemen.
Current firemen with retired firemen and their families.
Retired fireman, Jack Jackson and his wife, Faye, received a LVFD patch from Chief Cochran.
Kami and Presley Denham, great granddaughters of Howard "Red" Denham.
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