For Luis Lara, becoming a firefighter wasn’t about recognition. It was about helping others.
Lara joined the Hennessey Fire Department in 2024 with a simple goal, to make a difference when his community needs it most. “I wanted the chance to help others,” he said.
A 2001 graduate of Hennessey High School, Lara works as a warehouse manager in his day job. When the pager goes off, however, he trades the warehouse for bunker gear and responds as a firefighter with the Hennessey Fire Department. He has earned both his Fire I certification and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certification, giving him the training to assist with both fire and medical emergencies.
When asked what he enjoys most about serving, Lara didn’t talk about the excitement of emergency calls. Instead, he pointed to the people beside him. “My favorite thing about the fire service is the brotherhood, the bond with everyone at the station,” he shared.
Like many volunteer firefighters, Lara balances family, work and community service. Away from the fire station, he enjoys spending time with family and friends and going coyote hunting.
The Hennessey Fire Department is made up of dedicated volunteers like Lara who answer the call at all hours of the day and night. Whether responding to fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies or storms, they serve because they care about their neighbors.
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