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RESO 1982-02(B) - Recognize FiremenRESOLUTION NO. 82 -2 WHEREAS, at 1:15 a.m. on Friday, February 12, 1982, a tragic fire was reported involving the ninety -two year old landmark structure on the Sam Houston University Campus known as OLD MAIN; and WHEREAS, because of the building's prominence overlooking Huntsville and visibility from a large area of Walker County; and WHEREAS, the reverence and affection in which OLD MAIN was held is legendary because of its style, history and proximity to its sister structure, the fabled Austin College Building (the oldest educational structure still in use West of the Mississippi River, Circa 1853) that also became involved in the fire; and WHEREAS, the immediate and totally professional manner of response to the alarm by the members of the Huntsville Volunteer Fire Department and its membership which includes: Joe French, Fire Chief Lloyd Legler, Asst. Chief Curtis Loving, Asst. Chief John Fain Frank Smith Robert Bradberry Bobby Stanford Carroll Joe Heaton Paul Alexander Johnny Kibby Mike English H. B. Lawson Mike Roempke Ronald Fain Pee Wee J. C. Loving Bob Smith Tom Grisham James Heath Robert Coker E. J. Hinson David Martinez Ralph Becker Gene Goodrum Jerry Corner Jon Morris Darryl Whitman Robert Brown Loving, Member Emeritus John Hobbs Larry Grisham Charles Smith Oscar Bayer Mike Comella Dale Popp Eric Thompson John Waldo Forest Harrell Milton Widner Roy Montgomery Charles Rogers Jay Durham as well as the assistance rendered by other Volunteer Fire Departments from neighboring cities which included: New Waverly Trinity Navasota Indian Springs Madisonville Livingston Scenic Loop Onalaska Cleveland Corrigan by sending their equiment and manpower totaling over 100 men to fight the blaze, all of which contributed greatly to the effort; and WHEREAS, all of the firefighters received support in their effort to suppress the conflagration from the Huntsville Police Department, the University Police and the Walker County Sherriff's Department, whose efforts provided a measure of safety, along with countless other individuals who assisted in the effort to salvage the artifacts and provide food and drink throughout the long night; and WHEREAS, without the tireless efforts and professional approach to the worst fire in Huntsville's history, greater loss, possible injuries and further spread would have surely been manifested; and WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council, the University and City officials and the entire citizenry wishes to concurrently express their appreciation, respect and admiration to all who labored against incalculable odds to prevent the infamous destruction of our beloved structural cornerstone on the day that will be remembered as "Black Friday" in Huntsville. NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the City Council, City of Huntsville, Texas, that: Section 1. Due acknowledgement is hereby made that all within human capability was done by the individuals and their respective fire units to supress the fire, limit its spread and provide for the safety of everyone; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED on behalf of those who loved OLD MAIN and Austin College because of their rich history, structural significance, beauty and prominence, that heartfelt thanks be extended to everyone who came to their defense. Section 2. This resolution shall take effect immediately from and after its passage. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY THIS /p ay of FE$RU/PR Y , 1982. ATTEST: h DeShaw, City Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM: f _ tt Bounds, City Attorney CITY OF HUNTSVILLE BY: c W. V. Nash, Mayor