Aother death in our EMS/ Fire family

[Guest guest]

WO Assistant Fire Cheif killed in fatal Bridge City accident

The Orange Leader

By Debby Schamber

The Orange Leader

Kenny Milton , 29, of Orangefield, was killed around 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday, following a three-car accident on Texas Avenue in Bridge

City.

was traveling north in a Gilbeaux's wrecker truck on Texas

Avenue when the accident occurred. As he approached the traffic light

at Osborne Street, police say swerved to avoid hitting a

vehicle stopped at the light — forcing his vehicle into the path of

an oncoming tractor-trailer that was hauling cement piling to an area

refinery.

The vehicle stopped in front of at the light received minor

damages, while the tractor and trailer were separated — causing the

concrete pilings to be thrown to the side of the highway. was

pronounced dead at the scene, according to information from the

Bridge City Police Department.

" He pulled off of that car to not hurt that family, " said Elgin

Browning, longtime emergency responder of ' likely reason for

swerving to miss the car in front of his vehicle. " He was running

heavy since he was pulling a car and knew what could happen. "

Co-workers of Gilbeaux's Towing agreed his sacrifice serves as a

testament as to what type of person was.

" He would help everybody before he helped himself, " said Rickey

Gilbeaux, owner of Gilbeaux's Towing in Orange. " We all loved him. "

Pat Trahan who has worked with over the past two years at

Gilbeaux's said, " He was always smiling and one of those great guys

you really want to know. "

The small company of workers are all friends and have formed a strong

bond. Trahan affectionately calls the drivers, " my boys. "

It wasn't only at his job that he was admired, but by those at the

West Orange Volunteer Fire Department.

started his firefighting career as a junior firefighter when

he was 14 years old. He moved up the ladder until he earned the title

of assistant fire chief.

" He wasn't afraid and there wasn't a fire he wouldn't tackle, " said

Randy Vietch, WOVFD chief. " It was all about saving lives and

protecting property. "

Vietch chuckled, however, as he remembered a time when was not

happy to be at the scene of a fire in Pinehurst.

" Kenny didn't like snakes, but one time a big Boa came out of the

walls during recovery efforts, " Vietch said.

Firefighters from all departments agree was " a great guy. "

" We lost a brother firefighter and a very good friend, " said Grady

Gray, fire chief for Pinehurst Volunteer Fire Department.

Although it is not only firefighters and co-workers who mourn his

loss, but other first responders such as police officers.

" He was always willing to help out at accident scenes or motorists if

he could, " said Officer Arnold, of the Orange Police

Department.

An account has been set up at Mid County Teacher's Credit Union to

assist ' wife, , and two young children. People wishing

to make a donation to the ' family can donate at any location.

The account number is 94014.

Funeral arrangements were pending as of press time.

According to Simon, of WOVFD, it was ' wish for his

casket to carried on a fire truck during a procession. A procession

is planned for on Saturday, although definite plans have been

made.

Officials are requesting all fire, EMS and police to make

arrangements to have representatives to participate and attend the

procession.

" Things sometimes happen to remind you how important life is, " said

Steve Vaughn, chaplain at the Orange Fire Department. " Life is only

as good as the memories you have. "

[Guest guest]

Our thoughts and prayers go out to and his family, wife and children and

his Fire/EMS family. WE alsways hate to lose one of our own and he truly was

one of their own, growing uo from little brother to big brother. Everyone take

care and stay safe out there. God Bless one and all.

Anita

NREMTP/LP

Take care and stay safe always.

" Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. "

(Proverbs: 16:3)

May God Smile on you today.

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