Special Edition: 

District J Remembers... 

Dear Friends,

This past Friday afternoon we Houstonians were confronted with the devastating news that four Houston Fire Department firefighters lost their lives in the line of duty. The loss is all the more personal for the people of District J since those fallen heroes served at Fire Stations 51 and 68 located in the heart of District J. 

Other firefighters continue various stages of recovery in local hospitals. Our continued prayers are with them and their loved ones. Both the fallen and the recovering are our loved ones, friends and colleagues. 

As the City prepares to say goodbye to these brave servants, let us pause to remember them, to honor their sacrifice and to re-dedicate ourselves to serving our community in their memory.

May God make his face to shine upon those we have lost, and strengthen, comfort and console all those who loved, cherished and served with them.

Peace,

On Friday, May 31, Houston Firefighters responded to a 5-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn near US-59 and Hillcroft in District J. Four firefighters fell in the line of duty, and an additional 13 were injured.  As of Monday, 1 firefighter was still in critical condition, and another 2 were stable.  

Those lost include:

Captain EMT Matthew Renaud (35) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2001.

Engineer Operator EMT Robert Bebee (41) of Station 51. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in August of 2001.

Firefighter EMT Robert Garner (29) of Station 68. He began his career with the Houston Fire Department in October of 2010.

Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan (24) of Station 68. She graduated from Houston Fire Department Academy this past April and was assigned to Fire Station 68.

A Community Mourns...

The Houston Fire Department is holding a memorial service on Wednesday, June 5, at 10:00 am at the Reliant Stadium.  This service is open to the public.

Parking will open at 7 am. The public entrance will be off of S. Main with signs and directions directing the public to the parking area. 

The Memorial Procession will begin at 8 am and the public may view the procession from the south parking lot of Reliant Stadium and on the Skywalk across Kirby Drive. Kirby Drive will be closed both directions between La Concha Ln and 610 S Loop from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. for the Firefighters Memorial Procession. 

Reliant Stadium will open at 8 am and the service will began at 10 am with the prelude by Musicians of the Houston Symphony.

A Community Responds...