ONE DAY, TWO EMOTIONS

Today was a very emotional and stressful day, but it was also a day of saying goodbye and a day of celebration. Our members took part in two very important events -- one a happy event and one a sad event -- with so many moving parts.

We joined Mrs. Danelle Kraemer's family to give her an amazing send off. Danelle moved back to the Choctaw community several years ago, and quickly became a member of our organization. Sadly enough, Danelle was eventually diagnosed with cancer. She never allowed that diagnosis to get in the way of doing whatever she could to serve the community. The battle she fought against cancer was courageous, and it was hard fought. Danelle ultimately succumbed to cancer on November 30th, 2025; she was fifty-three (53) years old.

Several of our members also took part in the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation's grant awards celebration at the Thibodaux Civic Center. The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation recently awarded the department a $41,736.00 grant to purchase new Hurst Jaws of Life Extrication Tools. With Governor Jeff Landry and nearly every local elected official in attendance, including Sheriff Craig Webre, District Attorney Kristine Russell, Lafourche Parish Clerk of Court Annette Fontana, and Thibodaux Mayor Kevin Clement, our members demonstrated the capabilities of the new extrication tools we received from the grant. Even Sheriff Webre was in awe as he closely watched the tools being used, which prompted him to ask several pointed questions about the capabilities of the tools. We know Danelle was looking down on us and smiling as we continued doing the work she loved and lived for since moving back to the Choctaw community.

Our members left the event and headed back to the fire station, and together, with Danelle's family and friends, her remains were taken to Saint James Chapel for interment. After an emotional final call, and a graveside service, the sky opened up and sunshine poured out from the clouds, for the first time today. It was then that many of us realized Danelle had begun her shift at the firehouse of Heaven, where she'll watch over us for the rest of our days.

Firehouse Subs Foundation and local Firehouse Subs employees discuss the importance of grant funding.

Firehouse Subs local franchise operator Josh Culbreth presents a $41,736 check to CVFD members.

CVFD Captain Kelsey Benoit and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry pose for a photo.

Firehouse Subs Foundation representative, Josh Culbreth, and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.

Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, Josh Culbreth, and our local delegation pose for a photo.

CVFD members demonstrate the HURST extrication tools that were purchased through a grant from the Firehouse Subs Foundation.

Louisiana Governor looks at the HURST extrication tools that CVFD recently obtained.

Thibodaux Mayor Keven Clement, Terrebonne Parish President Jason Bergeron, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, and Lafourche Sheriff Craig Webre.

The Cajun Ninja and Firehouse Subs Foundation representative pose for a photo.