League City remembers Arthur Hewitt

by Matt Russell | July 12, 2012 7:44 pm

Volunteer firefighter Arthur Hewitt, who passed away Wednesday, July 11, is being honored by city officials and businesses.

Officials in League City ordered city and state flags to fly at half-staff Thursday, July 12, in memory of Hewitt. The governor's office sent its condolences on the loss with the approval to lower the flags.

Hewitt served in the League City Volunteer Fire Department for 61 years. He joined the department in 1950 and protected the community until his death at 92 years old, according to a press release. During his time with the department, he served as a captain, treasurer and assistant chief. Hewitt also performed maintenance on the department's vehicles. He was voted "Outstanding Firefighter" by his co-workers in 1969, 1984, 1985 and 1990. He also received a Fireman of the Year commendation, Community Service Award, Volunteer Firefighter Distinguished Service Award and honorary firefighter designation. League City's Fire Station No. 1 was named in honor of Hewitt in 2000.

"Art represented a shining example of commitment to community. He served his nation and his city with his brain, brawn and heart, and he didn't let anything stop him, not even age. He was an inspiration to us all," said League City Mayor Tim Paulissen in a press release.

In addition to serving as a firefighter, Hewitt served in the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II as a B-34 bombardier, flying missions over North Africa and Europe. His plane was shot down over Germany in 1944. During the incident, he made sure his fellow crew members evacuated the aircraft before he bailed out. Hewitt evaded capture for two weeks before spending the rest of the war in a German prisoner-of-war camp.

"Hewitt's dedication spanned the entire length of his life. His commitment to community didn't stop after the war or when he had a family or when he began to age. The League City Volunteer Fire Department, city staff and elected officials and the entire community will never forget that commitment," said City Manager Mike Loftin in the release.

The League City Fire Department will provide full firefighter honors and traditions for Hewitt's funeral services. A service date and time have not been set.

A video tribute has been placed on the city website at www.leaguecity.com/rememberingart.