Langley

Recognized Firewise Community/USA

The community of Langley became a recognized Firewise Community/USA on Oct. 16, 2007. A luncheon and recognition ceremony was held Oct. 23, 2007, in the banquet hall of Mount Magazine State Park Lodge. Accepting a plaque presented by Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe was Eddie Ayers, Langley Firewise board member. Also pictured is Billy Williams, AFC Pike County Ranger, who assisted the community through the Firewise Communities/USA recognition process. (Not pictured is Charlotte Ayers)

Billy Williams, Pike County Ranger, organized a meeting Sept. 10, 2007, at the Langley Fire Department. He had originally planned to bring in the community of Langley, but was pleasantly surprised when Lodi and Daisy decided to join the meeting.

Representatives from Camp Albert Pike also attended, and expressed an interest in becoming a Firewise Community/USA. They are located just across the Montgomery County Line — six miles from Langley — and are served by the Langley Volunteer Fire Department.

After a catfish dinner provided by the Langley VFD, an introduction to Arkansas FireWise and risk assessment training was conducted. Upon completion of the presentation, three Firewise boards were organized and officers elected.

Attending the meeting were Bob Lewis, Langley VFD Fire Chief; Donnie Cowart, Langley VFD Assistant Fire Chief; Lynda Lewis, Langley VFD; Melanie Cowart, Langley VFD, Gene Cowart, Langley VFD; Wayman Powell, Langley VFD; Lee Roy Arivett, Langley VFD; Dale Thornton, Langley VFD; Emmitt White, Langley VFD; Roger York, Langley VFD; Eddy Ayers, Langley VFD; Charlotte Ayers, Langley VFD; John Jones, Langley VFD; Greg Faught, Daisy VFD Fire Chief; Doris Faught, Daisy VFD; Josh Bowen, Daisy VFD; Scottie Frazier, Daisy VFD; Becky Frazier, Daisy VFD; Frances Frazier, Daisy VFD; Wayne Frazier, Daisy VFD; Verl Stovall, Lodi VFD Fire Chief; Mike Cowart, Lodi VFD Assistant Fire Chief; Chris Thompson, Lodi VFD; Bret Reid, Lodi VFD; Denver McRae, Camp Albert Pike Manager; Janice McRae, Camp Albert Pike Manager; Bill Paxton, Camp Albert Pike; Sharon Paxton, Camp Albert Pike; Billy Williams, AFC Pike County Ranger; Danny Crews, AFC Ranger II; Jeff Jones, AFC Ranger II, and David Samuel, Arkansas FireWise Coordinator.

Langley Firewise board members are Linda Lewis, chairperson; Bob Lewis, Donnie Cowart, Eddie Ayers, Janice McRae and Brian Pounds (Albert Pike area). On Sept. 1, 2007, the Langley Firewise board hosted a Firewise educational booth and passed out copies of "Living with Wildfire: A Guide for Arkansas Homeowners" during their annual fundraiser. (Photo at left)