Trees commemorate firefighter

By Jessica Coleman
Staff Writer
    A dedicated fireman, Wesley Hendry continued serving with the Lolita Volunteer Fire Department even after he was diagnosed with cancer. In January, Wesley finally succumbed to the disease after a long fight, and now his family and fellow fireman have found a relevant, special way to honor his memory.
    “Anything anyone needed, Wesley was there,” said his mother, Betty Hendry, “He loved to volunteer.”
     Wesley Hendrey was known countywide as someone who could be called when anyone needed help. He was a volunteer firefighter, a peewee football coach, an umpire for baseball, and much more. Wesley, according to his mother and many others, was a giver.
    “His main interest was the kids. He always wanted to make sure the kids were taken care of.”
    Now, peppered throughout Lolita are living memorials to his honor. Those who loved Wesley have planted and donated coral trees, also known as Fireman’s Cap trees for their scarlet blooms. 
    The trees, which can grow to be 30 feet tall, sprout bright red flowers and make wonderful shade trees. They also remind those who loved Hendry of his love for his work.
    “He was a dedicated firefighter,” said fellow Lolita Volunteer Fireman Keith Powers, “He loved fighting fires.”
    The largest of the trees stands in front of the home of Betty and Harry Hendry, Wesley’s parents. On it, a sign bears his name. Two are growing in front of the fire station, one donated by his mother, and another donated by family friends. 
    The rest are sprinkled all over Wesley’s home town, in the yards of his fellow firemen, standing to represent their love for him  and his dedication to volunteerism and his fellow man for years to come.