Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Events Volunteerism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Taft Chamber honors volunteer who secured water truck, credited with saving July fireworks show
Summary
At the July 15 meeting the Taft Chamber presented a proclamation recognizing Rex Cooper for arranging a water truck that allowed the Independence Day fireworks to proceed; Chamber leader also thanked the city and volunteers for the event response.
Dr. Cathy Orrin of the Taft Chamber of Commerce presented a proclamation at the July 15 Taft City Council meeting honoring Rex Cooper for “heroic efforts in saving the Independence Day fireworks show” by securing a water truck from the West Kern Water District.
Dr. Orrin said she appreciated the city’s support for the Chamber and described a series of operational problems at the fireworks event, including late arrival of porta‑potties, concerns about wind and air quality, and the absence of an immediately available water truck. She told the council that Rex Cooper “stepped up and secured a water truck at the last minute from the West Kern Water District,” and that Cooper, together with former city employee Bobby Withy and West Kern Water District representative Greg Hammitt, enabled the show to proceed.
The chamber’s proclamation, dated July 15, 2025 and read into the record, states that Cooper’s actions preserved the Fourth of July festivities and commends his resourcefulness and community service. Dr. Orrin said the proclamation will be displayed in the chamber.
Who was mentioned in the record - Dr. Cathy Orrin, speaking for the Taft Chamber of Commerce, presented the proclamation. - Rex Cooper was recognized as the volunteer who arranged the water truck. - Greg Hammitt (West Kern Water District) and Bobby Withy (former city employee) were named as assisting in securing and delivering the truck. - Kevin (identified as the fireworks contractor from Zambelli in Dr. Orrin’s remarks) was thanked for his work on the display.
Why it matters The proclamation and public thanks document how local volunteer and agency coordination addressed last‑minute safety and logistics issues at a widely attended community event. The record shows gratitude from the Chamber and council but does not record a formal city award vote; the proclamation was read and accepted for display.
Ending Council members and the mayor offered public thanks to the volunteers and chamber staff; the meeting record shows applause and several council members expressing appreciation for the Independence Day event volunteers.
