By Joan Francis
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)
Copyright 2006 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Recently, I heard the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company No. 1’s bell toll. Upon investigation, I learned that the bell-ringing signified the final call or last alarm for Russell N. Gomez, who had been a former president and life member of the fire company.
Fire ladders crossed Lafayette Street in honor of Gomez, and fire trucks from the David Crockett Volunteer Fire Company, Terrytown Fire Department, Gould Volunteer Fire Company and Westwego Fire Department lined both sides of the street. Firefighters Mensy Plaisance, Dustin Costa, Corey Ardoyne, Donald Parks, Chris Gotango and Shaune Lemaire stood at attention as the hearse carried Gomez to his final resting place. James Belala rang the bell.
The ceremony was a solemn one, befitting Gomez, a man who gave so much to his community. Rest in peace.