CROSBY FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR

Rubin Leal (l.) accepts the Firefighter of the Year Award from Chief Alan Kulak (center) and E.S.D. 80 Secretary Randy Foster. Among any number of fine men Leal stood out among his comrades as recognized by his fellow firefighters as best exemplifying the high standards of the department that services a district of over 30,000 people, aiding surrounding areas. Chief Kulak was recognized for 30 years of service to C.V.F.D. Kulak’s initial release papers from his family were signed when he was 15 years of age, volunteering to work as a firefighter at age 16. His legend among Crosby firefighters has him initially arriving to battle blazes in a go-cart.