The 87-year-old fireman started volunteering in the League City Fire Department in November of 1950. He has served at the position of Captain, Treasurer, and Assistant Fire Chief for the department over the years.
While being a member of the Fire Department Art was voted ‘Outstanding Firefighter of the Year’ by the department in 1969, 1984, 1985 and 1990. He was presented the ‘Fireman of the Year Award’ by the Optimist Club in 1982 and 1984. He received the City of League City Community Service Award in 1993. In 1996 he received from the LC Rotary Club a ‘Volunteer Firefighter Distinguished Service Award’. Over the years Art had a reputation as the one who kept the fire trucks running by always doing the preventative maintenance and repairs. In 1985 Art was chosen by the members to be an Honorary Firefighter, which is one of the greatest honors to receive.
He is one of about 120 current volunteer firefighters in League City who cover approximately 55 square miles.
Another event that meant a lot to Art was when Fire Station 1 was named in his honor. "I'm proud that they did that for me," Art said. "He is a role model for all the volunteers," said Joann MacTavish, the station's secretary for the last 16 years. "Art is loyal and he deserves the honor," she said.
All the firefighters in the department appreciate Art for all he has contributed to the department over the years. Art is a mentor to all the firefighters and all of firefighters would like their life’s to be like his. Little boys look up to Firefighters as their hero, Firefighters look up to Art as their hero.
Art served in the Army Air force, and was a bombardier for 5years from 1940-1945. While returning on a mission from Germany the back tail section was shot off and he was forced to bail out. This resulted in Art being held captive as a prisoner of war by Germany.
When he is not putting out a fire, responding to an accident, or taking people out of wrecked cars Art enjoys traveling with his wife of 60 years. They are members of the Houston Unwinders, an RV club.