LAKEVILLE — With the dedication of a bench in front of the Lakeville Fire Station, a family of first responders recently paid tribute to one of their own, who gave his life to service.

At the age of 71, Tom Rhamey died Nov. 28, 2014. His death came 10 days after he going into cardiac arrest while responding to a Shreve house fire.

Rhamey recently was honored for his service to the fire department and the community, with the dedication of a bench located in front of the Lakeville station.

“The dedication he gave to his community will always be remembered and appreciated by all of his fellow fire and EMS personnel,” said Lakeville Fire Chief Jeff Burgett, adding, “Tom will always be remembered for his stories. He always had a good story to tell that would keep everyone tuned in, and usually (produced) a good laugh at the end of it.” …show more content…
2 plaques were dedicated that are placed inside the station. One plaque is deceased past members of the Lakeville Fire Department, and the other plaque list the names of the ladies axillary members.

On Nov. 18, Rhamey responded to a morning traffic crash, came home, had breakfast and went back out when the fire call came in, said his wife, Saundra. He was the driver of the Lakeville tanker that responded to the house fire at 849 N. Main St. The 55-year veteran firefighter did not enter the house.

Rhamey joined the department as a teen, following in the footsteps of his father, said Saundra Rhamey, noting, “It was always important to him to serve his