Church offers help to local firefighters
By Kelly Griffith Bullard Banner News

Jim Sherpard shares a scripture at the monthly meeting.

The passing of the two Noonday firefighters, Austin Cheek and Captain Kevin Williams served, as a true testimony of the dedication, courage and love, not only them but also all firefighters possess.

The tragedy shed light on the service all firefighters do and that may have been overlooked before but will now not soon be forgotten.

To honor all local fire departments First Baptist Church of Bullard devoted their most recent Men's Prayer Breakfast to finding out what can be done to help.

Men and women from Bullard, Flint- Gresham and Noonday were in attendance.

Men's ministry leader, Don Byrd was the first to express his appreciation before reading John 15:13 "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." Byrd went on to say how the verse expresses exactly what Cheek and Williams did as well as what all firefighters risk when responding to a call.

"It's good to have the assurance that one day God will make all things new," Byrd said,

"Until then, thank you for how you serve our community."

Firefighters give their attention to the speaker thanking them for their services.

Associate Pastor, Tom Pesnell, then stood before the men and women thanking them for not only their time but also all that they sacrifice.

"We are just grateful to spend some time together," Pesnell said.

Jim Shepard was the last to speak; as he took his place before the crowded tables he shared a story about his brotherin law, Gerald Cooper.

"My brother-in-law Gerald was a volunteer fireman for Whitehouse," Shepard said. "Every Saturday we would have a family barbeque and there was just one rule - don't park behind Gerald's pick-up truck."

As the firefighters nodded in agreement Shepard explained that when Cooper got the call - as he usually did - he would be gone and there better be nothing in his way.

"It shows what true commitment is," Shepard said.

Shepard then asked what it was the local fire departments needed.

"We want to be a part of your ministry - loving your neighbor - unconditionally." Shepard said.

"We always need more man power," Bullard Fire Chief Keith Newburn said as he laughed and all other firefighters agreed.

"There are other jobs that need to be done and you don't have to fight fires," Newburn said on a more serious note.

Sheperd asked that the fire departments keep them up to date on any needs that they might have before closing with a prayer that God keep his blessing and protection on all those that serve our community.