Firefighters lay Unit 2 to rest
Polk County Enterprise - October 2009

Firefighters honored Jimmy Stephens, who held the call sign “Unit 2” with Livingston Volunteer Fire Department for 36 years, during funeral services Saturday. The honor guard and procession included all Polk County fire departments as well as many departments throughout Southeast Texas who attend the annual fire school in Livingston. Stephens organized meals at fire school and all LVFD events. Equipment and firefighters from Huntsville, Cleveland, Trinity and Tarkington stood by to answer calls in the Livingston area while firefighters said farewell to a man who was an integral part of LVFD. Fire Chief Corky Cochran said Stephens stayed involved with the department until his death. He served the best he could right up until the end. Stephens’ family said he battled his illness in a selfless way. He tried to protect his children and loved ones and avoided speaking about the pain he endured, said Mickey Stephens. At the end of his life he had a close relationship with the Lord and there was nothing left unsaid. He wanted to leave a simple legacy behind — that he did not lie, he did not cheat, he did not steal.