By David Ball
The Port Arthur News
LABELLE, Texas — With high waters, heavy winds, and a path of destruction, Hurricane Ike dealt a strong blow to the community of LaBelle.
The LaBelle Volunteer Fire Department also suffered damage in the loss of their fire station on LaBelle Road and Pine Tree Road after Ike. Nine months later, the community celebrated the groundbreaking of a new fire station Wednesday to be built at LaBelle Road and FM 365.
“We were hit nine months ago and nine months later, we have a new station. We’re very excited,” Chief Charles Sonnier said. “It will be huge; big. It will be completed in three months from now and serve as a community center and a location to ride out hurricanes and all disasters here. It will be a central location station.”
The old station took in 10 feet of water from Ike. Sonnier said that was the third time the station was flooded.
“Rita also tore it up bad. We had water last time and had to start over again. We received stuff from the insurance company. We’re moving forward. We’re not worried about the money,” he said.
Developer Henry LaBrie said the building’s dimensions will be 7,500 square feet area. The old building’s measurements were 6,000 square feet.
LaBrie said the new building will be more user-friendly with better access for entering and exiting, Americans with Disabilities Act compliant and meet other codes, etc. The building will be the community’s disaster center with bays where food and water can be pulled in or out. Cots can be set up, too, in the bay areas.
The structure will have hook-ups for portable generators, a full dining hall and warm-up facility.
LaBrie said the station’s central location will mean better response times for fire and paramedics units who cover the areas of Fannett and Cheek, in addition to LaBelle.
LaBrie is himself a volunteer firefighter with LVFD. He joined four years ago the day after Hurricane Rita made landfall.
He added that insurance paid for both buildings -- the old station and the new one.
“Insurance participated with this building. Keep going after them. Keep submitting. They (insurance companies) want to wear you out. It usually takes until the seventh adjuster you speak with,” he said.
LaBrie also owns AAA Floodmasters. His company does work all over the nation and Floodmasters puts a percentage of earnings back into the community where they are working. Last year, the company spent over $50,000 on Christmas toys for children.
Sonnier said the department is always searching for more volunteers. The new building will also need three flag poles and furniture, particularly office furniture from anyone who can donate.
The LVFD will host their annual barbecue dinner Sunday, June 7 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fannett. This fundraiser pays the note on a fire truck. Bingo games also helps pay the bills.
LaBrie said the fire department has no tax base, so all funding comes through fundraisers.
Copyright 2009
The Port Arthur News (Texas)