Barney Babin (left) joins Fire Chief Melvin D. Wheat and members of the “A Shift” of the Denham Spring Fire Department. Jimmy Parker (with cap), Dave Rector and Norton Pendergrass are on the right.

Church members express appreciation to fire fighters

DENHAM SPRINGS, La.--First UMC called upon the services of the Denham Springs Fire Department twice; once on January 13, 1973 when the sanctuary was destroyed by fire and on October 29, 2007 when the educational and office wing were destroyed by fire.

They had an opportunity to express appreciation to three shifts of 29 fire fighters in three stations.

“All the firefighters were very receptive of both the devotionals and our personal presence,” said Barney Babin, secretary of Louisiana Conference UM Men.

First UMC Pastor Jacqueline King led devotions for the Monday presentation; Associate Pastor Mark Martin, led devotions on Tuesday, and Babin led the devotions on Wednesday.

Babin later presented 35 additional books to Sergeant John Gillespie, chaplain of the Denham Springs Police Department.