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Longview honors rescuers, proclaims Red Cross Giving Day and recognizes national award for Keep Longview Beautiful
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Summary
Council proclaimed March 26 as Longview Fire Department Tower Rescue Day and Red Cross Giving Day, recognized Keep Longview Beautiful’s national innovation award, announced the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association will hold its 2026 state meeting in Longview, and established a memorial fund for public works employee Buddy Powell.
At its March 26 meeting the Longview City Council used its presentation agenda to recognize first responders and community organizations.
Mayor announced 03/26/2026 as Longview Fire Department Tower Rescue Day. The mayor introduced Eric, who described a Feb. 28 high‑angle rescue that recovered two victims; he credited years of training and teamwork for what he called one of the quickest tall high‑angle rescues imaginable.
The council also proclaimed the day as Red Cross Giving Day. Karen Holt, executive director of the American Red Cross East Texas chapter, described the chapter’s role in disaster relief and community preparedness and encouraged volunteerism and donations.
Judge David Brabham presented an award recognizing Keep Longview Beautiful for receiving the 2025 Keep America Beautiful National Innovation Award. Brabham highlighted a digital‑to‑dirt campaign that helped lower the city’s litter index and cited grants and volunteer engagement that supported local capital projects.
During citizen comments Anthony Wilts (commander of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association chapter 2324) said Longview was selected to host the CVMA 2026 state meeting in October, which he said could bring hundreds to thousands of visitors and economic activity for hotels and restaurants.
The council also addressed a local tragedy: members and the mayor honored the memory of public works employee Buddy Powell, announced a city fund to raise money for his family, and said counseling and support would be made available to coworkers.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming community events including Art Walk on April 2, Downtown Live in April and May, America 250 activities on April 11, and a city tree giveaway requiring online registration.
