Story and Photos Courtesy Houston Fire Department
Just two months ago, southwest Houston's Fire Station 76, located at 7200 Cook Rd., was decorated with flowers and poems in memory of Firefighters Lewis Mayo and Kimberly Smith who tragically lost their lives in a Feb. 14 three-alarm fire at McDonald's restaurant, located at 12300 Bissonnet. Now, a permanent monument resides in front of the station so that Kim and Lewis will always be remembered.
On Monday, April 17 at 10 a.m., the Mayo and Smith families visited the fire station where their loved one once worked. Firefighters who responded to that tragic fire stood among the families as the monument was officially "unveiled." Among the guests were Fire Chief Lester Tyra, members of the HFD Command Staff, Steve Williams, Houston Professional Firefighters Association, Local 341; Terri Mayo, widow of Lewis Mayo, and children Eric, Richard and Vanessa; Roseann and Donald Smith, parents of Kimberly Smith; Bud McDonald, Kimberly's fiancé; Mary Zarsky, Kimberly's aunt.
Permanently placed in a cement base directly in front of the station, a detailed black granite image of each firefighter was etched in this 4-foot granite memorial, shaped much like a diamond. When looking directly at the monument from the street, each firefighter's face is equally visible. Sitting on a pedestal on top of the monument is the eagle that once sat on top of the flagpole at the McDonald's restaurant. The monument weighs about 2,000 pounds.
J.T.B. Services, Inc., the demolition company that responded to the McDonald's site, generously donated this beautiful monument. Owners Jim and Cindy Bulgier approached HFD shortly after the incident with their idea to create this monument.
Cindy's brother, Terry Foster, a Houston firefighter, almost lost his life two years ago, when he was trapped under fallen ceiling at a November 1997 fire in the Montrose area. Foster was hospitalized for several months and did not return to work until a year later.
Imprinted on the monument will be the words: In loving memory of our fallen guardians. We erect this monument so you will never be forgotten. The eagle sits on top to remind us of how your spirit is soaring above us now and for eternity.
Donated by JTB Services, Inc., Kim and Cindy Bulgier, your friends in the community of Houston that you so proudly served.
"We have been overwhelmed with the generosity and compassion from the community. This is a truly special gift that will keep Lewis and Kimberly's memory alive forever," said Chief Tyra.
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