A Louisiana fire department recently suffered the loss of its beloved chief.
Lecompte Fire Chief Billy G. Norris, 62, died July 21 not long after helping his department with a medical call.
"Upon completion of the run, Norris complained to fellow firefighters of not feeling well with some pain in one of his shoulders and then left the station for home. A short time later, Chief Norris suffered a heart attack and was transported to Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria where he succumbed to his injury," according to the USFA.
He served the Lecompte Volunteer Fire Department since 1992. He helped establish the second fire station in 2000, and became chief in 2002. Norris also was president and treasurer of the Rapides Parish Firefighters Association.
In a letter to the family, Rev. Bruce Miller wrote: “Billy will be greatly missed not only by a very close-knit immediate and extended family but a very tight community including not only his own volunteer fire department but also those of the region and beyond. He is widely known, as well in the law enforcement community. He was a very dedicated and hard worker in Lecompte and in St. Martin Parish. He worked hard to obtain AEDs and other rescue and fire equipment, all important items for the community. He also serviced the poor and elder in various ways. He was responsible for the monthly distribution of food delivered to him on the side of I-49 by the Archdiocese of New Orleans, for instance. Years ago, the whole community rallied behind him and his family after each of his accidents that ultimately left him “disabled.” I never saw his severe hand injuries stop him for a minute, however. He did not know the word “can’t.” And he did not complain himself. He pushed for better equipment for the community at every opportunity. He will be greatly missed by his family, community, and unsung firefighter heroes.”
