Groesbeck VFD lieutenant Rick Hempel laid to rest

Groesbeck Fire-Rescue and Limestone Medical Center EMS has lost one of their own.

Rick Hempel passed away on Tuesday, May 9, 2023. Hempel was a lieutenant with Groesbeck Fire and a paramedic for LMC EMS. Hempel was also a retired police officer after 28 years.

Rick’s passing is considered a Line of Duty Death.

“Rick was an excellent paramedic with the Limestone Medical Center in addition to being a volunteer Groesbeck VFD lieutenant,” stated WLLVFD in a Facebook post. “Rick not only responded to calls on the ambulance but also on his time off as a volunteer.”

Teague VFD traveled in for the celebration of life and flew the U.S. flag off of their ladder truck in Hempel’s honor.

Groesbeck Fire shared special thanks to the Honor Guards from Bryan FD and Corsicana FD, the bagpiper from Plano FD to neighboring fire departments from West Lake Limestone FD, Kosse FD, Limestone Medical Center EMS, Lake Mexia FD, East Lake Limestone FD, Teague FD, Madisonville FD, and others.

“Thank you to the Groesbeck Funeral Home and Living Proof Church, as well as big thanks to Buffalo FD and the Texas Forest Service for covering our city during the funeral,” stated GVFD. “Thank you to the many Law Enforcement agencies represented to honor Rick. We will meet you again one day Brother, but until then, we will take it from here.”

See Hempel’s full obituary on page 2.

A Fireman’s Prayer When I am called to duty, God, whenever flames may rage, give me the strength to save some life, whatever be its age.

Help me embrace a little child before its too late or save an older person from the horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert and hear the weakest shout, and quickly and efficiently to put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling and to give the best in me to guard my every neighbor and protect his property.

And if, according to my fate, I am to lose my life, please bless with your protecting hand my children and my wife.