Nederland commends response efforts led by chiefs Terry Morton, Gary Porter
Published 12:10 am Thursday, December 19, 2019
- Nederland Mayor Don Albanese, left, provides Chief of Police Gary Porter with a letter of commendation for his role in TPC explosion response while Nederland Fire Chief Terry Morton stands in the background. Morton was also recognized with a letter of commendation. (Stephen Hemelt/The News file photo)
NEDERLAND — Emergency calls and response requests skyrocketed in the minutes and hours after the TPC explosion Nov. 27 in Port Neches.
Nederland Mayor Don Albanese said mutual aide agreements meant local police, firefighters and 911 communications officers were immediately thrust into response roles as a whole region looked for help or to help Port Neches.
“There were a lot of houses in Port Neches with the windows and doors blown off and the people were gone,” Albanese said. “So, the security there was very tight. I thank our two chiefs for what they have done.
“I appreciate it very much, and I am so proud for the city of Nederland.”
With a sense of appreciation and reflection, Albanese, the rest of the City Council and staff administrators shared in a City Hall celebration this week, declaring Dec. 16, 2019, as First Responder Appreciation Day in Nederland.
Elected leaders took further action, formally drafting letters of commendation for Fire Chief Terry Morton and Chief of Police Gary Porter.
Morton said the strong response extended beyond the efforts of his paid staff and also included the city’s volunteer firefighters, who are always willing to help when called upon.
