Thursday night was an exciting time for Raymondville School students and their families as the final “Family Fun Night” of the 2007-2008 school displayed various forms of transportation and emphasized safety.
A wide variety of safety pamphlets and coloring books were made available courtesy of the Missouri State Highway Safety Division. A total of 170 people attended.
On hand were John Hancock and his race car #88 with his driver, staff and sponsor, Rick Dixon. James Woods brought an Air Evac helicopter with a crew of one pilot and two EMTs. Sheriff Carl Watson brought a new sheriff vehicle. Matt Goodson displayed an Intercounty Electric bucket truck. Alan Branstetter, also an Intercounty employee, brought his boat and items for the children from Intercounty Electric Cooperative Association.
Also on display: Raymondville firefighter James Evans and Houston firefighter Jonathan Cook, old Raymondville fire truck; second grader Taylon Jenkins and his family, his ATV; Bill Sullivan, Ford tractor; a Texas County Memorial Hospital ambulance, Tom Herndon, EMS, and Sam Wilson, EMS; Roy King, horse trailer; David Jett, a 1950 Chevy half-ton truck; Doyle Henken, a touring motorcycle; Randy and Rhonda Kell, their dump truck and loader; and Bob and Bonnie Beckler, their Freightliner over-the-road diesel tractor.
A stock tank was provided by MFA for the storing and icing of beverages. McDonald’s and Hardee’s from Houston and Rinne Tire from Licking provided ice for the beverages. Pastor Maggie Kramer allowed the school to use the Methodist church parking lot and yard for vehicles and the Air Evac helicopter.
The children really enjoyed seeing the inside of these vehicles and exploring the outside of each vehicle. An enjoyable evening was had by all who attended. Added a volunteer, “Yet, our hearts and our thoughts were saddened by the loss of Jerry Pritchett, Raymondville’s fire chief.
Pritchett was killed last week while working on a tractor. Services were Monday. Photos and video of the fireman’s funeral are at www.houstonherald.com.