The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Firefighter Tammi Fisette became the 2009 Firefighter of the Year for Bridge City Fire and Rescue during the department’s annual awards banquet, Sat. Half a ton of crawfish were boiled for the event.

Firefighters that aided the department in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike were also recognized.

 “Sept. 13 was a bad day,” said fire chief Charles “Dickie” Uzzle, “We were overwhelmed. But 26 fire departments came to us that day – from New York to Los Angeles. We were glad to have them all but four of them are special.”

Uzzle awarded the Waxahachie, Red Oak, Kirbyville and Groves fire departments. “It’s with grateful appreciation for your support during Hurricane Ike,” Uzzle said. Each department received a plaque.

Luke Goff was named Junior Firefighter of the Year.

Fisette awarded her husband, Capt. James Fisette, with his 20-year service pin. Also serving the department for 20-years were firefighters Jim Diemer, Richard Lee and Robert Mann who also received the award.

Capt. Uzzle awarded the 10-year-pin to Ammie Uzzle. Josh Taylor received his five-year award.

A lifetime member of the department, Richard Solomon, told the gathering “You do things no one else wants to do. And you do it with pride. I’m very proud to have been around and have help build what we have built.”

Bridge City Fire and Rescue serves the Bridge City / Orangefield areas and anywhere it is needed.