LABOR DAY

2021

FIGHTING
FOR OUR FUTURE
honoring working men
and women of southeast texas
 Saluting
Saluting
all
all fellow
fellow
Saluting
workers on
workers
all fellow
Labor on
Day!
workersDay!
Labor on
In solidarity with all the unfairly
locked-out workers of ExxonMobil.

Labor Day!
GOLDEN TRIANGLE LOCALS
GOLDEN
PORT ARTHUR
LOCAL 13-423
TRIANGLE
BEAUMONT
LOCAL 13-243
LOCALS
PORT NECHES
LOCAL 13-228
PORT ARTHUR BEAUMONT PORT NECHES
LOCAL 13-423 LOCAL 13-243 LOCAL 13-228
 John L. Lewis,
a Hero of Labor
John Llewellyn Lewis (1880-1969) was
president of the United Mine Workers of
America from 1920 to 1960 and a major
force in organized labor in the 1930s and
40s. He was a prime mover in the organi-
zation of industrial unions in steel, rubber,
automobiles and other mass-production
industries. During World War II and after-
ward, Lewis led the miners in strikes that
won them substantial medical and retire-
ment benefits. He was truly a giant among
union leaders and indefatigable in his
efforts on behalf of the working man.

A tireless speaker on behalf of working men and women, the following is one of his most famous speeches:

Captain of a Mighty Host

The thing that gives me strength is the fact that I am able correctly to interpret the aims of my people. I know the psychology of
the coal miner. I know about his dreams and his ideals and trials and tribulations. I have lived with the coal miners. I am one
of them. My family has been associated with the mining industry for a century and a half and an understanding of the miners’
problems is inbred in me.

I have laid down in a mine tunnel with my face in half an inch of water, and pulled my shirt up over my head expecting to die
the next minute in an explosion I heard coming toward me. And when God performed a miracle and stopped that explosion
before I died, I think it gave me some understanding of what men think about and how they suffer when they are waiting to die
in a coal mine explosion.

When I speak, I speak the thoughts of the membership of the United Mine Workers of America, because I understand them. I
remain true to them and they remain true to me.

As an individual, my opinions and my voice are of no more consequence in our world of affairs, or in the coal industry of the
country, than the voice or the opinions of any passerby on the street. It is only when I am able to translate your dreams and
aspirations into words that others may understand, that my tongue possesses any strength or my hand has any force.

I have never faltered or failed to present the cause or plead the case of the mine workers of this country, I have pleaded your
cause from the pulpit and the platform; in joint conference with the operators of this country; before the bar of state legisla-
tures; in the councils of the President’s cabinet; and in the public press of this nation - not in the quivering tones of a feeble
mendicant asking alms, but in the thundering voice of the captain of a mighty host, demanding the rights to which free men are
entitled.

John L. Lewis who never tired of identifying himself in terms that workers could easily understand.
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Saluting the working men and women of Southeast Texas
Welcome to the annual Examiner Labor Day
issue, where we celebrate the nobility of work and
those who perform it every day – which includes
most of us.
The United States started celebrating Labor
Day as a federal holiday in 1894 to honor and
recognize the American labor movement and the
contributions of laborers to the development of this
great country. Desperate to create safer working
conditions, labor unions had organized to keep
workers safe on job sites and ensure they receive
the pay and benefits they deserve and require to
keep themselves and their families healthy and fed.
Today, the workforce faces a new set of
challenges, while labor union membership may
have declined over the years, the impact on the
rights and safety of the American worker has not
diminished at all.
Health care workers face overcrowded hospitals our way of life.
resulting from a new surge thanks to the Delta variant, and On Labor Day, we pause to honor all Southeast Texas
they continue to care for COVID and non-COVID patients workers, no matter what job they perform. They make
alike to the best of their abilities, all the while encouraging up the fabric of our society and deserve our respect and
a reluctant community to get vaccinated. They labor both gratitude.
day and night to keep this community healthy, and deserve The Labor Day publication is a tradition here at The
our recognition. Examiner, almost as old as the newspaper itself. We
This issue celebrates firefighters, the first of our first have assembled an impressive collection of stories and
responders to the scene of almost any emergency. Battling columns, including contributions from Fr. Sinclair Oubre,
fires and fighting floodwaters to rescue local residents, co-founder of the Catholic-Labor Network; Jeff Darby,
Southeast Texans can count on these heroes to show up President of the Sabine Area Central Labor Council, AFL-
ready. CIO; and Beaumont Business Journal Editor Sharon Brooks;
Also in this issue, meet Glen Johnson of Johnson Shell & Examiner Managing Editor Jennifer Johnson, Entertainment
Automotive, the last full-service gas station in Southeast Editor Chad Cooper; Staff Writer Scott McLendon; Sales
Texas. You may already know him. He’s been in business Managers Dana Moore and Kristi Dodd; Sales Associate
here for over 40 years. Harley Elkins; Advertising Graphic
We recognize and honor those companies that drive Designer Brittany Chaney; and
our local and national economy, providing jobs and Page Designer Kevin Clay, who all
prosperity in Southeast Texas. This newspaper records work hard every week to make The
their accomplishments, large and small, each week and Examiner the best publication in
celebrates the free enterprise system that makes possible Southeast Texas.
A lot of work has gone into
Any erroneous reflection producing this edition, and we
upon the character, stand-
ing or reputation of any hope you enjoy it. Special thanks to
person, firm or corporation our faithful readers, without whom
which may occur in the
2021 Southeast Texas copy of The Examiner’s none of this would be possible.
2021 Southeast Texas La-
Labor Day magazine bor Day publication will be
gladly corrected upon being
Don J. Dodd
Publisher: Don J. Dodd brought to the attention of Publisher/ C.E.O.
The Examiner Corporation
Editor: Sharon Brooks the editor. Published annu-
Page Design: Kevin Clay ally in August. Published by
Contributors: Jennifer Johnson, Chad Cooper,
The Examiner Corporation,
795 Willow, Beaumont, TX
795 Willow, Beaumont, Texas 77701
and Scott McLendon, 77701. Copyright 2021. All
Advertising Design: Brittany Chaney rights reserved.
Advertising Sales: Dana Moore, Kristi Dodd, Harley Elkins Copyright 2021. all rights reserved
THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 5
Serving the community

Sabine Area
Sheet Metal
Contractors
Association

A-1 Sheet Metal

Burts, Inc.
Kieschnick Industries
Metal Industries
Triangle Metals
Happy & Healthy Labor Day
to Local Union No. 54!
BEAUMONT FOUNDATION
of America
The Beaumont Foundation, a nonprofit philanthropic organization, gratefully
acknowledges another fulfilling, productive year. Since our inception in 2002,
we have made over $170 million in grants. We will continue to make a lasting
impact in Texas and across the nation. We take great pride in our work and
the legacy it will generate. To all the local charities and other organizations
we support, we say thank you and keep up the good work.

www.bmtfoundation.com

6 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

 Training tomorrow’s hereos

Thank You We stand

ready
We would like to say to answer the
call
thank you to the citizens
of Beaumont for your
support over the years. for the city of
Beaumont

Beaumont Fire Fighters Local 399

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 7
 Southeast Texas Building
& Construction Trades Council

We salute all the union members and their families, not just in our area, but throughout the great
state of Texas, and the United States of America as well! It’s through your hard work, that has made
America a great country to live and work in. We wish you and your union families a safe and

Happy Labor Day!

IBEW L.U. 479 Business Rep. Greg Macon
Insulators L.U. 22 Business Rep. Lacy Wolf
Boilermakers L.U. 587 Business Rep. Clay Herford
Elevator Constructors L.U. 31 Business Rep. Joe Kowis
Iron Workers L.U. 135 Business Rep. Robert Nebout
Laborers L.U. 350 Business Rep. Joshua Jones
Millwrights & Piledrivers L.U. 2232 Business Rep. Dwight Murrah
Painters & Glaziers L.U. 130 Business Rep. David Wenninger
Pipefitters L.U. 211 Zone 195 Business Rep. Todd Longron
Plumbers L.U. 68 Business Rep. Jeremy Pavlich
Sheet Metal Workers L.U. 54 Business Rep. Trey Berryman
Sprinkler Fitters L.U. 669 Business Rep. Billy Smith
Operators L.U. 450 Business Rep. Byron Williams
Carpenters L.U. 551 Business Rep. Kenneth Fontenot

Officers of the Council

Steve Parker President Justin Cooper Fin. Sec.
Todd Longron Vice President Trey Berryman Rec. Sec. Jerry Wayne Pillsbury Sgt. at Arms
Robert Nebout, Chris Reeves, Trustees

MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. BOX 22523 • BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77720 • 409-833-6163

 Industry offers
opportunity
Oil and gas run through Southeast Texans’ veins,
and, along with local energy companies and chemi-
cal plants, refineries and pipeline companies employ
a huge number of Southeast Texans.
While the coronavirus pandemic postponed some
planned plant, pipeline and refinery projects and
stalled others indefinitely, area businesses confirm
that industry is starting to pick back up again and
many of those projects are getting back on track. That
means area companies will be hiring hundreds, if not
thousands, of construction workers, process opera-
tors and additional plant and refinery workers filling
open positions.
From maintenance personnel sweeping up dust to
pipe fitters laying pipe, from welders connecting steel
structures to chemists performing lab tests, there are
numerous diverse employment opportunities in the
industrial field. The photos in the following pages
demonstrate just some of the jobs performed at area
companies.
Indorama Ventures

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 9

Port Arthur/ Sempra LNG

Health & Safety Team Denise Pitrucha & Kenneth Klutts,

team members who ensure that the company has and
is following proper safety protocols with employees,
contractors and other site visitors

Residential • CommeRCial • industRial

Proud to Have Served the

Beaumont Community
Since 1951
Your Local Retail and Compounding Pharmacy
3480 Fannin • Beaumont, TX 77701

FREE CITY WIDE DELIVERY!

BEST CASH PRICES IN TOWN!
tx# 18185
SE HABLA ESPAÑOL
Mon.-Thurs. 8 am - 6 pm • Fri. 8 am - 5 pm • Closed Sat. & Sun.

2005 PeCos st. • 409-833-2828 Call us today! 409-833-7538

10 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021
 Team Sempra LNG, supporting a variety of worthy
causes in the community like Kids Fish with Texas Parks
& Wildlife

Denise Pitrucha, Environmental & Safety Advisor,

ensuring all safety protocols are followed on the
construction site

Cheri Aycock, capturing and documenting all the

activities on the construction site
THE
THE EXAMINER
EXAMINER •• LABOR
LABOR DAY
DAY 2021
2021 11
11
 Security personnel staff at the front entrance of BASF
TOTAL Petrochemicals LLC in Port Arthur. The site
BASF produces basic petrochemicals and operates one of the
world’s largest flexible feed steam crackers and the
world’s largest butadiene extraction facility.

12 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

 Process Technicians Ricky Bolyard (right) and Samantha
Briggs (left) discuss their work from a storm water tank in Tad Terrell, TotalEnergies Safety Supervisor
Port Arthur. The tank collects rain water, which is treated
and clarified before being used in the manufacturing
process.
TotalEnergies

For work or play... Since 1969

Best custom work available in the Golden Triangle! 52
Custom Truck & SUV Accessories:
• Custom Installations • Running Boards • Bed Rails • Electric Brakes • Autilary Transfer Tanks
• Seat Covers • Headlights & Tail • Headache Racks • Hitches • Lift Kits
• Window Tint Lights • Light Bars • Jeep Tops • Leveling Kits
• Bed Mats & Liners • Euro Lights • Bug Shields • Factory Replacement • & More!
• Spray In Bed Liners • Tool Boxes • Rain Guards Fuel Tanks
• Nerf Bars • Bed Caps • Sliding Cap Windows
• Goosenecks - Fifth • Custom Grilles • Roll Pans
Wheel Hitch • Fifth Wheel Tail Gates • Ground Effects
• Mud Flaps • Grille Guards • Bumpers, Wenches

We offer same day service!

www.ayresinc.com

409-833-3381
1255 IH-10 South, Beaumont, TX

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 13

 Indorama Ventures

NEW OFFICE at
745 W. Cardinal Drive
opening SOON!

For 88 years, we have been partnering with contractors to

provide them with the most skilled, qualified, and certified
workforce available. If you are a contractor interested in
partnering with us or a skilled equipment operator that would
like to learn more about becoming a member, please contact us
at one of the options listed below.

I
IUOEU
Local
o
450
e
nternatIonal nIon of peratIng ngIneers
745 West Cardinal Drive • Beaumont, TX 77705 • 936-258-5516
www.iuoelocal450.org
Like us on Facebook!

Business Manager/President Vice President Recording Secretary Financial Secretary Treasurer

Mark Maher, Jr. Johnny Hinson Freddy Romo Jack Kees Butch Williams

14 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

 From the Lawyers and Staff at
Reaud, Morgan, & Quinn 
We would like to thank all of the labor
organizations and their members for
their endless contributions to our
community and our society.

HAPPY
LAB R
DAY
Because of your superior craftsmanship,
worth ethic, and public service,
Southeast Texas has developed into a
wonderful place to raise a family.

rmqlawfirm.com
(409) 838-1000
801 Laurel Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77701
 PLUMBERS LOCAL UNION NO. 68
695 CHAMBERLIN
BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77707
409-842-3680

“Protecting Your Family’s Health & Safety”

Their license, training and professionalism protect not only your family, but also
your largest investment – your home. They are knowledgeable about plumbing
codes written and understand the obligation they have to you to by installing it
right the first time!

Licensed Plumbers protect you and your family from more than 50 possible
diseases that can be transmitted via blood, air, and water entering through
a cut in the skin or ingestion. Some of those pathogens are:
Hepatitis, Meningitis, Typhoid, Tetanus and Dysentery

Additionally, Gas Piping and Appliance Leaks in your home coming from a water
heater, stove, furnace or fireplace can cause devastation, injury or even death.

Remember…you’re the Boss when hiring professionals.

Ask to see their License!
Robert Wayne Lord
Business Manager

William A. Venable, II
Financial Secretary - Treasurer

Rick Lord - Business Agent Brian Granger - Organizer

Jeff LaBroski - Business Agent Glen Kirkham - Organizer
Chato Woodard - Business Agent Jeremy Pavlich - Organizer
Jimmy Garcia - Organizer
 Saluting Working
Men & Women
LABOR DAY

Sabine Area Central Labor Council, Its Officers and

Members, Encourage Workers to Pursue Their Right to Join
into Union Membership. Our Council Supports Federal,
State and Local Elected Officials Who Support and Protect
Workers Rights.

We wish all workers a most

joyous and safe Labor Day!
Jeff Darby Justin Cooper
(409) 719-8223 (832) 262-0938
President Secretary - Treasurer
AFGE LOCAL 2139 OPEIU LOCAL 277
AMALGAMATED TRANSIT UNION LOCAL 1031 PIPE FITTERS LOCAL 211 ZONE 195
BOILERMAKERS LOCAL 587 PLUMBERS LOCAL 68
CWA LOCAL 6139 SEAFARER'S INTER'L UNION
CWA TEXAS STATE EMPLOYEES SHEET METAL WORKERS LOCAL 54
IAM LOCAL 823 - DISTRICT 161
TEXAS ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS
IATSE LOCAL 183
IBEW LOCAL 479 USW LOCAL 13-228
IBEW LOCAL 2286 USW LOCAL 13-243
INSULATORS & ALLIED WORKERS LOCAL 22 USW LOCAL 13-423
IUPAT LOCAL 130 USW LOCAL 13-8586
OPEIU LOCAL 66 FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL 399

P.O. Box 896, Nederland, TX 77627

Valero

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 19

Commentary
A wonderful opportunity that I did
not know about
On August 1, 2021, I signed off as bos’n on the training ship T/S
Kennedy, while docked at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy in
Galveston, Texas.
I had joined the ship on July 1, 2021,
and in the month, we sailed from
Galveston to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Is-
lands, and then back again to Galves-
ton. Two days after I left the ship, the
cadets and crew pulled in lines and set
sail for New York, New York, and then
on to Buzzard Bay, Massachusetts, the
homeport for T/S Kennedy.
During the month, I was honored to
work and mentor with more than 200
deck cadets. These young men and
women are working toward their bach-
elor of science degrees and 3rd mate
Fr. Sinclair Oubre or 3rd engineer licenses in the United

States Merchant Marine.

International Alliance of I graduated from high school in 1976, and fortunately or unfor-
tunately, this depends on one’s perspective of my Catholic priest-
Theatrical Stage Employees hood, I was unaware of the Texas merchant marine academy just
80 miles southwest of my front door. Nor did I know about the
federal maritime academy in Kingspoint, Long Island, New York.
Growing up in Port Arthur, I watched the ships “sail across the
street.” I was fascinated by the shear magnitude of these vessels.
If I knew about the nearby state academy or the federal merchant
marine academy, my career path to the priesthood would have
had a major detour through the United States Merchant Marine.
Being a merchant mariner is one of the most essential jobs in
the world. As Rose George points out in her 2014 book “Ninety
Percent of Everything: Inside Shipping, the Invisible Industry That
Puts Clothes on Your Back, Gas in Your Car, and Food on Your
Plate,” the things we wear, use, compute, communicate, and drive
come to us through the labor of merchant sailors.
If U.S. merchant mariners did not transport gasoline, jet fuel and
diesel to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville from Port Ar-
Providing trained stage, sound, lighting thur, Lake Charles, and Baytown, no one would be driving to Dis-
and wardrobe technicians since 1910 ney World and no one would be taking a Miami cruise.
Beginning this Labor Day weekend, I am beginning a campaign
to ban Southeast Texans from saying: “There is nothing to do

Happy Labor Day! here!” Now, if one is desiring a career in fashion design, gaming, or
haute art, then “...there is nothing to do here!,” But, if one is seeking
a career that has a starting pay in excess of $40,000 for a person
with a high school education, and more then $100,000 for a per-

20 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021


son with a 3rd mate or 3rd engineer license, then there really “...is
a lot of do here!”
No matter how our economy evolves, we will need fishermen to
operate our shrimp boats and supply our seafood. We will need
tug/barge crews to guide our towing units along the intracoastal
canal. We will need harbor tug crews to gently guide the massive
ocean-going ships to our refinery docks. We will need ship crews
to move petroleum products along our coastal states, Alaska, Ha-
waii, and Puerto Rico. We will need ship crews to sail the Ready
Reserve Ships that provide all the resources to support our armed
forces in times of peace and in times of war. And we will need
crews on our river and coastal passenger ships, as well as the
JOHN
STEVENS
CRIMINAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGE
Celebrating Labor
VITAL TO HUMAN DIGNITY & QUALITY OF LIFE
POL. ADV. PAID FOR BY JOHN B. STEVENS, JR. IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE VOLUNTTARY LIMITS OF THE JUDICIAL CAMPAIGN FAIRNESS ACT.
massive Pride of America in Hawaii.
Until the 1980s, if a young man or woman wanted to go to sea,
he or she could go to the National Maritime Union’s hall on 7th
Street in Port Arthur, or go to the office of Sabine Transportation
near the Veterans Memorial Park, apply for a job, and then go to
the Port Arthur Coast Guard office, and get his or her z-card.
Sadly, all those doors have closed, but new doors have opened:
1. Lamar State College - Orange Maritime Program (www.lsco.
edu/alliedhealth/maritime.asp)
2. San Jacinto College Maritime Program (www.sanjac.edu/
maritime)
3. Texas A&M Maritime Academy (www.tamug.edu/corps)
4. Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship (www.seafarers.
org/training-and-careers/jobs/the-seafarers-harry-lundeberg-
school-of-seamanship)
5. United States Merchant Marine Academy (www.usmma.edu)
I missed a great opportunity to become a 3rd mate because
I did not know that one of our nation’s five state maritime acad-
emies was just down the coast. How many more Southeast Texas
young men and women have lost the opportunity to be part of the
United States Merchant Marine because they did not know where
the doors were?
My hope is that as I continue to sail on training ships, I will have
the opportunity to mentor more and more of my fellow Southeast
Texans in the wonderful and essential work of sailing the ships
that bring us 90% of everything.
THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 21

From fires to floods
Firefighters respond first
From fires to floods, from fender benders to fatalities, when
you call 911, the first of the first responders to the scene are
usually firefighters. The Beaumont Fire Department is always
looking the brightest and bravest members to join their ranks
as public safety professionals, and dozens of new positions
are projected to be added to the department over the next
several years.
“We will be hiring continually over the next year or two,”
said Beaumont Professional Firefighters Local 399 President
Jeff Nesom. “Our department size has been around 234 fire-
fighters… and just recently the Beaumont City Council voted to
increase our department size to 243 firefighters in Beaumont,
which is the most firefighters the city of Beaumont has ever
had. We’re trying to get those numbers up right now. Then,
when we hit that stage, it won’t be too much longer that we’re
going to be increasing those numbers again. We should be
growing our department by close to 50 members over the
next five years is our hope.”
When a Beaumont resident calls 911, firefighters are ready
and precisely positioned to reach your emergency in a matter
of minutes.
“We have 12 fire stations that are spread out strategically
around the city of Beaumont, designed so that if you make
a 911 call, we can be at your house within approximately four
minutes from anywhere you are in Beaumont,” Nesom de-
scribed. “We actually train on a regular basis to make sure
that when a person makes a phone call to 911, within in one
minute and thirty seconds we’ll have firefighters on a fire en-
gine en route to your location.
“We work a 24-hour shift… We eat, sleep, shower, work out
while we are at the fire station, but none of that is guaranteed.
22 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021
If the tones go off, we’re en route
immediately, no matter what.”
When they hear those tones,
they never know what type of
emergency they may be headed
toward because they get calls
for all of them and are trained to
respond to any situation.
“We respond to medical
emergencies, fire emergencies,
motor vehicle accidents, gas
leaks,” said Nesom. “We respond
to just calls for wellness checks
if someone calls 911 because
they haven’t heard from a fam-
ily member in a while and they’re
concerned about them. You
pretty much name it. If you’re in
a situation where you’re not real
sure what to do and there may
be an emergency, when you call
911, in most cases, our depart-
ment is going to be coming.”
Beaumont Fire Department Training Division Chief Cody
Hendon agreed and said, short of getting cats out of trees like
you may see in old comics or cartoons, firefighters will do just
about anything in service to the community. These life-saving
– and stressful – jobs aren’t for everyone, Hendon warns. They
require late nights, long shifts and extensive training to per-
form, but he says, for him and others like him, it’s all worth the
effort to make Southeast Texas safer for the citizenry.
“We’re public servants, so in whatever way the public
needs us – if we go out to someone’s house or someone’s
place of business or in the case of a wreck to where they are
on the highway – we help people for an unlimited number of
reasons. I think that’s what so awesome about our career, just
being able to help people in almost every single way.
“The cat in the tree is a funny joke because it’s such an
old story, but it’s symbolic of what we are. We’re a one-stop
shop. We don’t turn down people asking for help. If somebody
calls us and we get out there, and even if it seems like the
most menial of tasks to some people, it’s very, very important
to other people. If they’re having a hard time with whatever
their situation is, it’s their hard time and they need help with it,
regardless of whether we think it’s a hard time or not. So, be-
ing put in that unique situation to really make a difference in
somebody’s life even though it’s seemingly small, I think that’s
pretty awesome.”
As the training chief, Hendon is responsible for making
sure new firefighters are ready for anything when the alarms
sound. In Texas, firefighters must complete both a fire acad-
emy and emergency medical services training, both of which
are available at Lamar Institute of Technology in Beaumont,
said Hendon.
 get your Texas Commission on Fire Protection Firefighter 1
and 2 certifications. I try to encourage people to go through
the EMT class before they go through the fire academy be-
cause a lot of people can make it through the fire academy,
but when you go through the EMT course you see a lot of
what we really do. It seems glamorous to fight fire and use the
Jaws of Life and those sorts of things, but there’s some pretty
‘un-glamorous,’ if you will, portions of our job on the medical
side of things.
“So, go through the EMT course and all the clinicals and
everything that goes with that, and then go through the fire
academy. Then, if you don’t make it through the fire academy,
you still have that EMT certification and you can go work as
an EMT somewhere – including here. We have a unique situ-
ation here because the Beaumont Fire Department and EMS
merged in December. You can still hire in as a civilian EMS
employee or you can get certified as a firefighter with the Tex-
as Commission on Fire Protection and hire in as a firefighter/
EMT, making you a civil service employee with the Fire De-
partment. Right now, we can hire EMTs and paramedics with-
out firefighter certifications to work on an ambulance, or we
can hire certified firefighter/EMTs and they can go work on
fire engines… There are just a lot of different avenues when
“If they wanted to start from square one with no training
you consider a job in the fire service.”
whatsoever, they would go to LIT or another fire academy,”
Hendon explained. “It’s typically about a semester long. You
SEE FIREFIGHTERS PAGE 24

USW District 13 Salutes all

union members on Labor Day!
USW District 13
1300 Rollingbrook Drive, Suite # 504 • Baytown, TX 77521
(Office) 832-556-0370 • (Fax) 832-556-0378

Ruben Garza, Director

Larry Burchfield, Assistant to the Director

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 23

 BOB
WORTHAM
Criminal District Attorney

I salute the hard-

working men & women
of Jefferson County.
Thank you for your
continued support.

FIREFIGHTERS FROM PAGE 23

Pol. Adv. PAid for by bob WorthAm.
Once you get the job, your training continues, said Hen-
don.
“Once they get hired on in Beaumont as a firefighter, they
spend five weeks – what we call our professional firefight-
er orientation program. Essentially, we just take all the key
subjects that are related to the job, almost like a mini fire
academy, to teach them everything specific to Beaumont,”
Hendon shared. “So, you have days where we make sure that
they get all of their online-based certification training done.
There’s some emergency management courses that are re-
quirements. We spend a couple of days on the computer
with them making sure they have a lot of those requirements
done. They also have medical days. They spend a couple of
days going through EMS protocols.
“That five weeks is really rigorous. There’s a lot of class-
room time, but there’s also a lot of hands-on training that’s
physically demanding, but so is our job. Fighting fire is not
easy at all. You constantly evolve with what the community
needs.”
If you think you have what it takes to become a hero,
check out LIT’s fire academy and EMS training programs at
LIT.edu or, if you’re ready to apply to become a Beaumont
firefighter, visit the city website at www.beaumonttexas.gov/
departments/personnel/job-postings/.

24 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

 Port of Beaumont
on the move

Come See Us For All of Your Electrical Needs.

THE REASONS WHY BOTH YOUR VOTE
YOUR VOTE
Have a safe & happy Labor
THE Day!
THE REASONS
REPUBLICANS WHY BOTH
AND DEMOCRATS
REPUBLICANS AND CAN MAKE THE
DEMOCRATS
ARE SUPPORTING
CAN MAKE
RAQUEL WEST

We Support the Hard-working ARE SUPPORTING RAQUEL

Thank you to
QUALIFICATIONS: WESTDIFFERENCE
all the
DIFFERENCE
Practiced law for the past two decades
QUALIFICATIONS:
Early Voting

Men & Women of SETX

President of the Jefferson County Bar Association Oct 20-31
Early Voting

hard working men & women

Practiced law Bar
Member, State for College
the past two
since decades
2005 Election Day Tuesday
President of the Jefferson County Bar Association Nov 4 Oct 20-31
EXPERIENCE:
Member,
Handled over Statecriminal
1600 felony Bar College
cases in since 2005
the past 5 years Election Day Tuesday

of Southeast Texas.
Nov 4
EXPERIENCE:
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:
Board Member,
Handled Hardin
over 1600 Jefferson
felony Independent
criminal casesSchool
in theDistrict
past 5 years
Board Member, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)

beaumont • 4052 washington blvd • 842-3141 COMMUNITY

Sunday School Teacher, WesleyINVOLVEMENT:
United Methodist Church
Recipient, Mickey E. Mehaffy Pro Bono Attorney of the Year
Board
Pol. Member,
Adv. Pd. Hardin
for by Raquel Jefferson
West Campaign, Independent
Patrick SchoolInDistrict
Terry Doyle, Treasurer Compliance With the Voluntary Limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. 409-813-2700
FAIR AND
Board Member, Court TOUGH
AppointedJUSTICE:
Special Advocates (CASA)
SundayEndorsed by Law Enforcement
School Teacher, Agencies
Wesley United Methodist Church
Recipient, Mickey
ENDORSED BY: Attorney of the Year
E. Mehaffy Pro Bono
JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF’S ASSOCIATION, BEAUMONT FIRE DEPARTMENT, SABINE AREA LABOR
FAIR AND TOUGH JUSTICE:
COUNCIL, THE BEAUMONT ENTERPRISE, THE EXAMINER, COMBINED LAW ENFORCEMENT
THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 25
ASSOCIATION OF TEXAS (CLEAT), BEAUMONT, PORT ARTHUR, PORT NECHES, NEDERLAND, AND
Endorsed by Law Enforcement Agencies
GROVES POLICE DEPARTMENTS
Pol. Adv. Pd. for by Raquel West Campaign, Patrick Terry Doyle, Treasurer In Compliance With the
Voluntary Limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act. 409-813-2700
 Port of Port Arthur
in prime position

AMERICAN
ENERGY DOMINANCE
STARTS HERE

This is seventy thousand tons of American energy heading to global

markets from the nation’s leading energy exporting waterway.

This is our energy advantage helping our allies around the world.

This is working to fix our national trade deficit.

This is the Sabine-Neches Waterway changing the world.

navigationdistrict.org

26 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

Superintendent Colin Melton, 4th Walter Mullins,
superintendent Chase Bullock, and clerk EJ Broussard

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 27

 Business Manager
Johnny Johnson
Asst. Business Manager
Ryan Campbell
Construction & Maintenance
President
Ryan Campbell

28 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

 (409) 842-2125 | WWW.BOMACCONTRACTORS.COM

CIVIL
MARINE
PILING

Happy Labor Day

to all BO-MAC employees.
Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and loyalty!

THE COASTAL SABINE

LABOR MANAGEMENT
COOPERATIVE COMMITTEE

The Southeast Texas Chapter NECA

& IBEW Local Union 479, would like
to wish Contractors & Employees a
SAFE & HAPPY LABOR DAY!
IBEW LOCAL UNION 479 SOUTHEAST TEXAS CHAPTER NECA THE ELECTRICAL TRAINING CENTER (JATC)
1430 SPINDLETOP 2825 WILCREST DRIVE, SUITE 303 707 HELENA
BEAUMONT, TX 77705 HOUSTON, TX 77042 NEDERLAND, TX 77627
(409) 833-8252 (713) 977-2522 (409) 727-3102

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 29

 Lamar University (LU), Lamar
State College Orange (LSCO), La-
mar State College Port Arthur
(LSCPA) and the Lamar Institute of
Technology (LIT) all offer degrees,
certifications and courses that pro-
vide training for future employ-
ment in almost any field.
LU’s engineering and nursing
programs are world-renowned,
and students can get degrees in
communication, psychology, Eng-
lish and many, many other majors.
(See available degrees at lamar.
edu.)
Among their numerous train-
ing opportunities, LSCO’s maritime
training program can springboard
its students directly into a job at
one of the area ports or aboard one
of the many vessels in and out of
local docks. (Visit lsco.edu for a full
list of available courses and pro-
grams.)
Just last year, LSCPA expanded
its commercial truck driving pro-
gram to make them the only “one-
stop shop” site between the Louisi-
ana state line and Houston where
student drivers can receive class-
room and on-the-road instruction,
plus both the knowledge and skills
testing needed to get their CDLs
and become state and federally li-
censed truck drivers. (Visit lamarpa.
edu for a full list of opportunities.)
Every year, LIT trains thousands
of students to fill our workforce
needs in Southeast Texas. They
have programs for people hoping
to fill the plant and refinery jobs
soon opening up, future medi-
cal technicians, dental hygienists,
health inspectors, HVAC experts,
welders and other highly sought-
after jobs. This past July, LIT ranked
No. 4 among community colleges
on Niche.com and consistently re-
ceives similar accolades celebrat-

Training
ing its excellence in training and
job placement.
The photos that follow highlight

the next generation

some of the many training oppor-
tunities available at LIT. For a full
list of courses, certifications and
degree plans, visit lit.edu.

THE 1700 MEMBERS OF PLUMBERS LOCAL 68 SALUTE

THESE OUSTANDING BEAUMONT AREA PLUMBING
CONTRACTORS WHO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY BY
PROVIDING QUALITY INSTALLATIONS AND
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE BY LICENSED PLUMBERS.
All Purpose Plumbing Noack Plumbing
409-201-1947 409-866-3500
Beaumont Plumbing Plumbing Solutions
409-840-5511
409-898-2528
Plumbing Specialties
Connor Plumbing 409-832-5889
409-838-6433 Premium Plumbing
FCA Plumbing 409-842-0997
832-449-6866 Spindletop Plumbing
First Choice Plumbing 409-748-5186
409-313-6451 Texas Lone Star Plumbing
409-790-8833
H.B. Neild & Sons Thurston Plumbing
409-842-2272 409-718-7556
Lil John’s Plumbing Lyons Plumbing Mid County Plumbing Word of Mouth Plumbing
409-749-9729 409-673-2419 409-727-6833 409-748-0829

30 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

Welding

REGISTER & Vote

You must be registered by October 4th
to vote in the November 2nd Election

Contact the Jefferson County

Voter Registration Office now at
835-VOTE 985-VOTE
or visit us on the web @ www.jeffcotax.com

Why vote?
because it’s
your right!
THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 31
 Radiology

Gerald W. Eddins
Judge Judge
County Court at Law #1

Pays Tribute to the Hard-

Jeff Branick
JEFFERSON C OUNT Y JUD GE
Working Men and Women of
Southeast Texas.

Political advertisement paid for by Judge

Gerald Eddins Re-Election Campaign.
Lynda Kay Makin, Campaign Manager. Tom
Hanna, Treasurer. In compliance with the
voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign
Fairness Act.
A salute to the working men
& women of Southeast Texas.
Enjoy your Labor Day!
Pol. Adv. pd. for by Jeff Branick Campaign. Guy Goodson, Treasurer.

32 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

Instrumentation

Happy Labor Day!

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 33

HVAC maintenance

Wishing the hard-working

men and women of
Southeast Texas a
Happy Labor Day!
34 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021
 Dental hygiene

Pipefitters We love all of our volunteers

and supporters who make this
Local Union 211 region a great place to live.
Zone 195

Officers, Members & Staff:

sends a tribute to the men and women of the
organized labor movement who have worked
and fought for respect and dignity through
relentless hard work and dedication. Through
their continuous efforts, these men and women Ben Rogers/Lamar University/BISD
have brought about retirement, health and welfare "I Have a Dream" Program
benefits, safety, training, as well as a better way
of life for all members of labor unions! Thank you for helping us serve our community.
(409) 722-0434 • 3246 Hwy 69 Access Rd • Nederland, Texas
Todd Longron
Business Agent
Jeff Broussard
Steve Parker
Joe Gerik
Instructor
Happy Labor Day!
TTT
Organizers

Office Staff - Cassie Bush & Sydney Longron

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 35

 Welcome to Johnson Shell & Automotive
The last full-service gas station
and auto shop in Southeast Texas
Remember when you could pull up to the pump at a gas
station, and an attendant would come right out to your car,
pop your hood, check your fluids and “fill it up” while you sat
comfortably in the driver’s seat? Well, one of those old “filling
stations” is still standing right down the road in Beaumont.
Johnson Shell & Automotive is the last full-service gas
station in Southeast Texas, and customers can also count
on them for all their vehicle maintenance and service needs.
Glen Johnson owns the station and opened shop in Beau-
36 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021
mont over four decades ago.
“Sept. 6, I will have been in business 44 years,” Johnson
shared. “When I was 23, I decided I wanted to open up a shop.
My parents lived here and I lived in Georgia, so I moved down
here and opened up. I moved down here Aug. 17, 1977, and
opened up Sept. 6, 1977.”
Johnson has now been in the same location, 6390 Calder
Ave. in Beaumont, for 42 years this past July, and he remem-
bers when the land around his shop – now bustling with res-
taurants and retail businesses – stood mostly empty.
“When I bought this place, there was nothing from here
all the way down to the last building, which was Taco Bell,”
Johnson recalled. “The car wash was there and the building
right there was there, but there was nothing else... There was
nothing out here, really. Phelan ended right here, until they
got it finished all the way out to the school.”
As Johnson performed the work he loves in the location he
staked all those years ago, shopping centers, fast food fran-
chises and other bourgeoning businesses emerged. All the
time, Johnson’s businesses remained a steadfast landmark,
and he continues to provide service for generations of local
families and, for those “who could make it,” he jokes, plenty of
jobs for local residents.
“Now, we’re dealing with most of my regional customers’
grandkids,” said Johnson of his loyal customers. “It’s been fun.
Around the holidays, I still have a lot of the kids whose parents
or grandparents live here come to town and come by and
visit, or people who’ve worked for us over the years come visit.
“We’ve had some great employees that have worked for
us, a lot of great people who have gone on to do great things
with themselves. We do a lot of repairs on their cars now. I’ve

had some real, superfine employees who have gone on and
done well, so that makes me proud. It’s like a bunch of them
used to say, ‘If you can make it 90 days there, you can make it
forever anywhere else.’ I weed them out.”
When you visit Johnson Shell & Automotive, you can pull
up to one of the self-service pumps to gas up, or you can
stop in front of one of the full-service pumps to get excellent
service from one of Johnson’s employees or even the man
himself. Johnson has no problem getting his hands dirty, and
he can often be found wiping windows or maybe under the
hood of a vehicle checking out the engine.
“We offer full-service or self-service. We do complete au-
tomotive service: maintenance, service, drivability, electrical
and AC repair, and we have one person who does nothing but
brakes and front-end alignments, because Southeast Texas
roads can be rough,” said Johnson.
While you’re gassing up or getting your vehicle serviced,
take a glance around and you’re certain to see some unique
memorabilia that Johnson has been collecting for years: a
Texaco sign from 1909; another from about 1949; an antique
Coca-Cola cooler; and even an old Tom’s Snack machine still
in working order “with all the parts.” He has even more at his
house, much of which is auto-related.
“I’ve been collecting this stuff since I was a teenager,” said
Johnson. “We don’t have a living room at my house. We have
a showcase room where we have all the collectibles and stuff
like that. We collect a lot of car and racecar stuff. I have a lot
of NASCAR memorabilia, cars and that sort of thing. It’s been
something I’ve been doing a long while.”
Johnson’s love for auto mechanics started even before he
began his collection and even before he had his own car.
“I’ve been working on cars since I was about 14 years old. I
wasn’t even driving yet,” he said with a smile.
Besides loving the job he does every day, Johnson says
he really enjoys meeting new people and seeing old friends
come back for the great service he and staff provide.
“I love seeing all the people,” he shared. “We have mega-
mega-millionaires who come here, and we have people who,
like most everyone, work paycheck to paycheck. I appreciate
all of them.”
Johnson invites everyone to stop by to fill up or call to
schedule your maintenance or repairs. Don’t know when your
car or truck requires service? Check your manual, suggests
Johnson. Visit him at and his experienced team at 6390 Calder
Ave. in Beaumont or call (409) 860-5361 to schedule service.
THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 37
Health care workers
on the front line

38 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

Keeping the community clean

HOW WE

THE WORLD
More than $64 million in donations and fundraising.
150,000 volunteer hours.
We’re energized by giving back to the communities where we work and live.
It’s a culture that makes us proud, and a commitment that will remain a
part of who we are.
Associated General Contractors
of Southeast Texas
We kept Southeast Texas building
Valero.com
since 1940

5458 Avenue A • Beaumont, Texas • 409.835.6661 • www.AGCSETX.com

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 39

 valuable skills that could allow them to start a career immediately
after graduation.
Dr. Donna Prudhomme, Director of CTE for BISD, said that iden-
tifying locally in-demand jobs and skill gaps is essential in de-
termining programs that put students on their personal paths to
future success.
“I’m proud to say that we are the only school district in our
region with a dedicated and intentional K-12 work-based learn-
ing program,” Prudhomme shared at a Golden Triangle Business
Roundtable meeting in April 2021. “We’re just trying to bridge the
gap. So, our students will graduate with a plan, either to enroll in
a post-secondary institution, enroll in the military or to enter the
career world.
“We have a few CTE (Career and Technical Education) program
expansions… because we want to make sure we are preparing all

Preparing for the future
Local school districts employ hundreds of teachers, admin-
istrators, food service employees, maintenance personnel, bus
drivers and other support staff from all over Southeast Texas, all
working together to prepare future generations for whatever life
has in store for them.
Beaumont Independent School District (BISD) and other dis-
tricts across the area have even started Career and Technical
Education (CTE) training programs for students who want to learn
of our students. We had video technology at Ozen High School
as a flagship program that’s continued at Beaumont United High
School; then also, health science, which was originated at Cen-
tral Medical Magnet High School, continued at Beaumont United
and now is at West Brook. Also, audio/video production will be
at West Brook High School next year… We want to make sure we
recognize our port partners in our new expansion for maritime.
“What we’re doing is making sure kids have the opportunity to
plug into high-demand jobs that are available for them.”
Eva Leblanc, Coordinator of Business and Industry at BISD,
added that exposing students to a variety of career options allows

CONVENTIONAL & ORGANIC RICE

l e b rati ng
AND RICE BY-PRODUCTS
Ce a y
795 SOUTH MAJOR DRIVE • BEAUMONT, TEXAS 77707
(409) 866-2297 • WWW.DOGUETS.COM
La b o r D
The Labor Community has
always been a vital part of
Southeast Texas life. I hope that
it will continue to be a vibrant,
integral part of the District.

Representing you in Austin has

been very fulfilling for me and
I hope to continue the efforts
in economic development,
furthering funding for Lamar
University and increasing higher
Thank you to our Joe Deshotel
education opportunities for
students.

hard working State Representative

22nd Legislative District
If there is anything, I can assist
you with, please let me know!
essential workers. Capitol Office/Austin Mailing
Room 3 N. 6
District Office
One Plaza Square, Suite 203
P.O. Box 2910 Port Arthur, TX 77642
Austin, TX 78768 (409) 724-0788
(512) 463-0662 (409) 724-0750 (Fax)
(512) 463-8381 (Fax)

40 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

 information… Call me!”
Businesses interested in providing internship or hands on train-
ing opportunities can reach Leblanc at (409) 617-5217.
Other local schools have similar programs that end at gradua-
tion and get students started on a solid career path. These types
of programs are valuable assets to Southeast Texas, and so are
the teachers and school staff who lead them. The Examiner cel-
ebrates teachers and other school staff for educating local youth
and, as they say at BISD, “Preparing the next generation” for what
lies ahead.

them to decide what job or industry would be their best match.

“Work-based learning is what prepares students for future ca-
reers and is a very vital part to a successful CTE program and de-
partment,” said Leblanc. “It starts in Pre-K, and it works all the way
through post-secondary education. It’s all about exploring what
a child, a student, wants to do, what their interests are, and then
preparing them then with training as they move from high school
to post-secondary… after high school.”
Students who are seniors participating in vocational and dual-
credit training programs at the school must complete a practicum
course, where they receive supervised, hands-on training utilizing
what they have learned in class.
“That means we need to partner with business and industry
in the different programs of study to place students in those in- Joh n s o n Shell &
ternships for their senior year,” Leblanc explained. “We need our Automotive

ENJOY YOUR LABOR DAY!

business and industry partners to help this happen. I have all the

Wednesday is Ladies Day!

6390 Calder • Beaumont, TX
(409) 860-5361

Charlie hallmark
Jefferson County treasurer

Happy Labor Day

to all the workers who
give their best every
single day.

Paid For By The Charlie Hallmark Campaign

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 41

 Commentary State of the Unions in 2021
thousands in our area. This is sad, especially when there
The following commentary is the view of Jeff Darby, President
is a free vaccine available to all over age 12. Really. Just
of the Sabine Area Central Labor Council, AFLCIO, and reflects his
opinions, not necessarily those of The Examiner Corporation.get the shot. This is a no-brainer. The vast majority of
health care workers would appreciate not
As the President of the United States gives having the pandemic consume so much of
Congress in February ever year a status of their labors while other health emergencies
the country as he sees it (the “State of the and diseases continue.
Union” address), I give you, dear reader, the If you are still reading this after my discussion
“State of the Unions” here in Southeast Texas of COVID-19 and the vaccine, I would like to
in my capacity as President of the Sabine point out three locals in two international
Area Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO. unions that are facing immediate challenges.
Choosing only two or three items in the As of this writing (August 11), some 650
great constellation of events that have members of USW Local 13-243 continue to
occurred in the past year is difficult. be locked out by ExxonMobil at the refinery
Let’s get the one with the greatest overall and packing plant in Beaumont since May
impact out of the way first. That would be 1. USW has challenged this lockout by filing
COVID-19 and its ongoing impact on workers.
J eff Darby several ULPs (Unfair Labor Practices) with
As the greatest worldwide public health
President of the Sabine the National Labor Relations Board.
crisis of the past 100 years continues its reign
Area Central Labor We want everyone to know that this is NOT
of terror on humanity, I would like to point out
Council, AFL-CIO a strike! It is a lockout. ExxonMobil has done
this. The union did not go on strike.
the impact it has had on workers. I could spend pages
What are the issues? Pay? No, the parties agreed on
going on about the very real, life-and-death struggle for
wages during the life of the contract for which they are
negotiating. Benefits? No, like wages, the parties are in
agreement.
This is a power play by the company. They want the
right to reassign workers as they see fit.
“What’s the big deal?” you ask. I will tell you. Not only
does it undercut the idea of seniority (itself just a small
reward for remaining loyal to the company during a
career), but it is very unsafe. Oil refineries are gigantic
chemistry sets. This chemistry set is very dangerous.
The materials are explosive, carcinogenic, and pollutive.
Our great team of Having operators who learn how a particular unit works is
learned over years of experience. Changing an operator

staff and volunteers salute from a type of unit to a totally new one is inherently
unsafe.
all of the great Labor economists estimate that every dollar paid in
wages is “turned over” eight times in a community. If
teamwork throughout these 650 members are not taking home $1,300 per
week: 650 x $1,300 x 8 = $6,760,000 in lost economic

Southeast Texas! impact in our area per week. Multiply this over the 15
weeks this has gone on (as of this writing), this has led to
an estimated $101,400,000 in lost economic impact in
Southeast Texas.
SETXFOODBANK.ORG
Poor ExxonMobil…their profit from January to March
2021 was only over $2,000,000,000.
For further enlightenment, go to the website of the
Jefferson County Appraisal District, http://www.jcad.
org/. Click on “Property Search” and then type in

42 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

ExxonMobil. You will be amazed at the assessed value and IAFF Local 1905 President Haden Grove and the
of many of their largest properties here in Jefferson members of their locals worked over the spring and into
County. In many cases, they are assessed at pennies on the summer to get the requisite number of signatures
the dollar. in order to place the question on the ballot so that the
USW is fighting to keep our community safe by fighting people can have the final decision.
for seniority, which maintains the safe and healthy Democracy, right?
operation of the 8th largest oil refinery in the United The Sabine Area Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO asks
States, and the 2nd largest oil refinery in Jefferson County one member of the Groves City Council to reconsider his
(Motiva in Port Arthur is statement in a July 2021
the largest oil refinery in City Council meeting
North America). that questioned the
Another issue facing right of IAFF Local 1905
labor in our area is to make this request;
the attempt by the he attacked the union’s
International Association efforts, equating them
of Fire Fighters (IAFF) with “outsiders” even
locals in Port Neches though all members
and Groves to get of IAFF Local 1905 are
collective bargaining Groves firefighters.
and binding arbitration. We ask all the people
These brave first of Port Neches and
responders have repeatedly said they do not have Groves to support those who put their lives on the line
trouble with their respective city councils. They just for you every day by voting to give them collective
want the ability to work as equals across the bargaining bargaining and binding arbitration.
table with city leadership. I hope that you continue to stay safe and healthy.
IAFF Local 3713 President Tyler Hebert in Port Neches Support local labor!

Southeast Texas
Democratic Women
“MAKING IT HAPPEN!”
WE SALUTE THE
Supports WORKING MEN
Jefferson County
the workforce of
Southeast Texas & WOMEN OF
SOUTHEAST TEXAS
Sub-Courthouse

MARC DEROUEN
Judge

Justice of the Peace

Precinct 2

TECL 27270

newtronelectricalservices.com • 409-719-5656
1905 Industrial Park Drive • Nederland, TX 77627

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 43

 UH-60 Black Hawks unloaded by crane from the U.S.N.S. Brittan
wait to be further transported to Fort Polk Sept. 26, 2020, as part
of a no-notice emergency deployment readiness exercise in Port
of Beaumont, TX. The EDRE allows the U.S. Army to assess the
unit’s alert and recall procedures, pre-deployment processes and

U.S Army transportation of personnel and equipment. (U.S. Army photo by

Spc. Nathaniel Gayle, 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tyler Tyson, left, a diver attached to 92nd Engineer Battalion, 20th Engineer Brigade, out of
Fort Stewart, GA, dons his diving gear in Port Arthur, TX, Sept. 24, 2020. Their mission is to clear the harbor of
any obstacles that would interfere with vessel docking. (U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Nathaniel Gayle, 22nd Mobile
Public Affairs Detachment)

44 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021

 RE-ELECT JUDGE
BENJAMIN “BEN” COLLINS SR.
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, PRECINCT 1 PLACE 2

Wishing you a blessed & safe

Labor Day

&
&

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 45

46 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021
 DO YOUR
SHARE for
CLEANER
AIR

WWW.SETRPC.ORG

Brad Burnett James R. Makin, P.C. AT TORNEY AT L AW

Justice of the Peace
Board Certified in Criminal Law
Texas Board of Legal Specialization
1900 Broadway
at 3rd
Beaumont, TX
Foundation Leveling and Repair
409-833-2827
Jazz “The Law Dog” www.jamesrmakin.com Levorel withathe
n
best
Wishing all the working men & women a
A salute to the working men & women of Southeast Texas.
L e with the rest

Happy Labor Day Enjoy your Labor Day! (409) 998-1000

www.hollandhouseservices.com

Catholic CULLEN WHITE Happy Labor Day

Labor Network INDUSTRIES to one and all!
"(T)he protection of workers Air Conditioning EVERETTE “BO”
RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • MAINTENANCE
and the most vulnerable
must be guaranteed by & Heating Sales ALFRED Happy Labor Day
respecting their essential
rights, including the right to
& Services County Commissioner
to the hard working
Precinct 4
organize. In other words,
organizing is a right." and dedicated people
-Pope Francis,
June 17, 2021
in Southeast Texas.
TACLB785C
Fr. Sinclair Oubre, J.C.L., AFNI BONDED & INSURED
TECL# 17846
The Catholic Labor Network
www.catholiclabor.org 409-842-5974 1677 LINDBERGH DR. BEAUMONT, TX
PHONE: 409.842.5020 FAX: 409.842.5049

THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021 47

48 THE EXAMINER • LABOR DAY 2021