A Tribute to Those who Serve
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”[1]
The 4th of July is when our great nation comes together to celebrate our Nation’s independence and pay tribute to all those who fought for us and for our freedom. Today, we want to take a moment in our celebration to give thanks to all of the first responders that serve our nation.
Every day, thousands of first responders put their lives on the line in order to save others. These everyday heroes do their jobs without hesitation; willing to sacrifice themselves to help those in need. It is with the courage of conviction, sureness of self, and a willingness to do what it takes that enables these heroes to run into burning buildings, head towards the line of fire, and put their lives on the line for us. “These heroes have a passion and willingness for helping others,” says Kevin Cummings, Owner of Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling. “These are values that are instilled in them from previous generations and values that they instill in generations to come.”
In 1910, Jim Cummings (great-great-great-grandfather to Kevin Cummings), served our nation as a firefighter in New York. During this time, firefighters would have to transport water to the fire sites. This transportation process meant minutes wasted transporting water; the difference between saving and losing someone’s home. Jim felt that there had to be a better way. Maybe there could be a solution implemented where they could simply pump water wherever needed. Born from that idea became plumbing, as we know it today.
Jim saw a need to help others. He saw a problem and knew that he needed to help come up with a viable solution. Since then, the Cummings name is associated with plumbing. There are many privately owned Cummings Plumbing companies all over the nation; one still exists in New York today. This is the legacy that Jim left behind…6 generations of plumbers, instilled with the values of helping others, coming up with innovative solutions, and doing whatever is needed to help serve their communities.
Today, Cummings Plumbing Heating and Cooling in Tucson stands at over 75+ employees, 60+ trucks, and 3 different facilities. We fly our flag proudly, knowing what it took for us to get to where we are today. It has become a symbol of hope, courage, and of the American dream; not just for us but for others in our community as well.
Regards,
Al Melvin
Arizona State Senate 2009-2015
This 4th of July, we encourage you to take a moment to thank those who have served our great nation; in whatever capacity. It is to these heroes that we owe our unalienable rights: our independence. In closing, we want to leave you with this:
Where at least I know I’m free
And I won’t forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I’d gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.[2]
