Taft Chamber reading honors resident who secured water truck to save July fireworks show

Dr. Cathy Orin, representing the Taft Chamber of Commerce, used the public‑comment period at the July 15, 2025, Taft City Council meeting to deliver a proclamation honoring Rex Cooper for actions that saved the community’s Independence Day fireworks event.

Orin told the council that the fireworks delivery and display faced several problems, including wind and air‑quality concerns, the late arrival of portable restrooms and the absence of a water truck needed for safety compliance. According to her statement, Rex Cooper contacted the West Kern Water District and, with help from longtime community volunteer Bobby Withy and a West Kern official identified as Greg Hammett, secured a water truck at the last minute to meet safety requirements and allow the show to proceed (Orin said the event occurred on July 3 and July 4 activities were affected). The proclamation the chamber read notes Cooper’s “quick thinking, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment” and states the council’s intention to hang the recognition in the council chamber.

Orin also thanked city staff, volunteers and the fireworks contractor (identified in the presentation as Kevin from Zambelli) for their work despite the logistical problems that delayed the show by about 30 minutes. In response, the presiding mayor thanked Orin and the volunteers; council members likewise offered public appreciation for the volunteers and donors who made the event possible.

No formal city action was taken on the proclamation during the meeting; the statement was read as a citizen comment and recognition from the chamber. The public comment record did not include other speakers on this topic at the meeting.