The Firefighter’s Dream

June 2015
Liberty High School

James Rice has accomplished much in his 97 years. He served in the Marines during World War II, and went on to spend more than 20 years with the Kern County Fire Department when he returned. Working with Optimal Hospice, the DreamCatchers club from Liberty High School recognized those accomplishments with a surprise party at Rice’s retirement home. Rice wanted to ride on a fire truck again, so firefighters from his old station and shift came together Saturday to make that happen. During the celebration, which was also attended by fellow veterans, Rice received honors from Congressman Kevin McCarthy’s office and local veterans groups thanking him for his service.