The Summerville-Rosefield Volunteer Fire Department organized a huge parade to honor Jeremy Montpelier on his 40th birthday recently. Jeremy has been an amazing fixture to the Summerville-Rosefield fire district since it was formed. Fire departments participating in the parade were from Jena, Whitehall, Olla, Eden-Fellowship and of course, the host, Summerville-Rosefield VFD. Also a couple of law enforcement vehicles participated in the parade, which was a great hit for Jeremy.

Jeremy’s mother, Rita, had the following to say about the day:

“I want to start by saying we are so very blessed to live in a small community like LaSalle Parish. We have some of the best people in the world living here.

June 14 was Jeremy‘s 40th birthday and God has truly blessed him by letting him and us see this day. Jeremy was born premature with a lot of health problems. Shel by and I were told he would not make it to live very long.

We took on a lot of responsibility and at an early age, but we knew when we saw him that no matter what, we was going to give him the best life possible. We have made a lot of friends on his journey and it has been a good one.

On Sunday, June 13, our community fire stations and our local and town sheriff’s office gave Jeremy his own parade. He was so excited and was speechless. Shelby and I was so happy.

Do you observe the happiness on his face for his pleasures in life has been so limited. Jeremy he’s pretty well bedridden now but was able to sit up a while getting out of his hospital bed for his parade – wish you all could have seen how excited he was. It would have brought tears to your eyes.

Jeremy has been brought beautiful birthday cakes from Eddie and Sherry Coolman for the last 15 years. They are truly special people and good friends.

The Summerville Fire Department planned the parade when we decided we could not plan a big cookout for his birthday party for his health problems interfering with him being able to sit up. But our friends figured out maybe he could sit up a few minutes to watch his parade.

There were so many who gave time out of their own lives so he could have a special day. To all the guys and gals who gave up their time to drive all the fire trucks and police cars for Jeremy, we give you a special thanks and all the people who helped – it reminded us there is still good people in our world and in our community with loving big hearts. God bless you all.”