West Fire Department Names 2 Honorary Firefighters

WEST, TEXAS – Two civilians who perished while helping at the fertilizer plant explosion have been made honorary firefighters by the West Vol. Fire Department.

Jimmy Matus, 52, a well-loved member of the community, helped build the department's engine as the owner of Westex Welding.

Also named an honorary firefighter was William Uptmor Jr., who led horses to safety in a field, and joined the firefighters in their effort.

Their families as well as those of all the fallen responders have been assigned a liaison from the Texas Line of Duty Task Force comprised of firefighters from across the state.

Responders killed while engaged in operations at the fertilizer plant included five from West Vol. Fire Department, one from Dallas Fire-Rescue; two from Abbott FD/West EMS; one from Merknel FD/West EMS; and one from Bruceville Eddy FD/West EMS.

West Fire Department -- Morris Bridges, 41; Cody Dragoo, 50; Joseph Pustejousky; Douglas Snokhous, 50; and Robert Snokhous, 48.

Dallas Fire-Rescue – Kenny Harris, 52.

Abbott FD/West EMS -- Cyrus Reed, Jerry Chapman.

Merknel FD/West EMS – Perry Calvin, 37.

Bruceville Eddy FD/West EMS – Kevin Sanders.