06/11/2026
Tonight, one of our volunteers received my the Napoleonville Knights of Columbus Firefighter of the Year award.
Due to her service and dedication to the Labadieville community, we are pleased to have Rita Kimbro as a member.
This is what was read by Lee Orgeron our 1st Assistant Chief at the awards ceremony:
Tonight, we gather to honor one of our volunteers with LVFD—a person whose dedication, hard work, and heart for this community are truly extraordinary.Before I officially announce who she is, I think it’s only fair that you get a little background—because the story of a volunteer like this deserves to be told.From what I’ve learned, she’s not originally from the bayou—but she is proudly from South Louisiana. Some might even call her a “coonass,” and I think she wears that title with pride. It’s part of who she is: tough, loyal, and always ready to lend a hand.
She was born in the late 1900s—though, I promise, she’s still not as old as me. And that’s all I’m going to say about a woman’s age, because I’d like to see her smiling at tomorrow’s meeting!
She spent most of her life in Kenner, from birth until 2020. During that time, she accomplished a lot—so much that it’s hard to capture in just a few sentences. But I’ll try. Some of the highlights of her journey include:
Graduating as a Medical Assistant in 2014, showing early on her commitment to helping others.
Getting married in 2016, beginning a new chapter in her life filled with love and partnership.
Moving to Labadieville in 2020, a big step that brought her closer to the community she would soon serve even more deeply.
Welcoming RayRay into the world in 2021, balancing the joys and responsibilities of family life with her other commitments.
Joining LVFD in 2022, answering the call to serve her community with courage and dedication.
Completing EMR training in 2023, proving that she’s always willing to learn, grow, and do more for those who rely on us.
Each of these milestones is impressive on its own—but together, they paint the picture of someone extraordinary: someone who is reliable, capable, and willing to step up whenever and wherever needed.
In order to be a great community resource, we need not just people, but people like her. And let me tell you, we have found one.
Although she has only officially held the title of secretary for a short time, she has been performing these duties quietly and diligently for several years. She ensures that our meetings run smoothly, our records are accurate, and our organization operates like a well-oiled machine. Without her, my job as First Assistant Chief would be far more difficult.
I’ve seen her stay late after meetings and training sessions to make sure everything is ready and organized after the rest of us have gone home. I get texts from her during the day—“Hey, is this…?”—and I know she’s keeping things running smoothly, even when I’m not around. That’s dedication. That’s heart. That’s someone who cares about this organization and everyone in it.
She is more than just a secretary. She is a frontline responder, a truck operator, a sister firewoman, and the quiet engine that keeps us moving forward. She is the person who shows up behind the scenes, often unnoticed, but always essential. Her contributions remind us that being a firefighter—and a community volunteer—isn’t just about responding to emergencies; it’s about commitment, teamwork, and service in every sense of the word.
So tonight, it is my honor and privilege to introduce our behind-the-scenes hero, our steadfast volunteer, our tireless organizer, and our friend—Rita Kimbro.
Rita, on behalf of LVFD and everyone here tonight, thank you. Thank you for your hard work, your dedication, your spirit, and your heart. We are lucky to have you.
