5 May 2011
To the Editors of the Slidell Independent, New Orleans Times-Picayune, and Slidell Sentry News:
On behalf of the members and commissioners of St. Tammany Fire District No. 1, we would like to thank our citizens for the overwhelming outpouring of support as we dealt with the untimely and tragic death of our brother Battalion Chief David Smith.
As our solemn procession left Northshore Church and travelled down Gause Boulevard to Forest Lawn Cemetery with Chief Smith’s coffin riding atop one of our engines, those of us in the funeral procession were greatly moved as we past hundreds of people who stood along the road and silently said farewell to David.
Countless businesses and individuals donated food and assistance. Many St. Tammany Fire Departments and West Hancock County, Mississippi, filled in for us as we tended to our mission and maintained our public safety profile during the service. Representatives of fire departments from New York to Georgia arrived to pay their respects. All we can say is thank you. We are indebted.
We will miss Battalion Chief Smith and the dedicated public servant that he was. At the same time, we will never forget the deeply moving and respectful tribute this community bestowed on our brother as he made his final alarm.
It is our most humble honor and blessing to serve this community.
Thank you for your support.
Larry Hess
Fire Chief