PALESTINE —
The Aldine Fire Rescue Station No. 31 in Harris County honored a woman with local ties by naming its newest station in her memory during a dedication ceremony Saturday.
The station was dedicated in memory to the late Marla Buschardt for her many years of service to the Aldine Area Fire Service. She is the daughter of Joe Watlington of Palestine and the late Judith Watlington of Palestine.
Marla Buschardt, 52, died Jan. 31, 2009 from the effects of a stroke.
Two plaques given to her father and husband Chuck Buschardt during the ceremony read: “This station was part of her vision to serve the community and the fire service. Her 30-year tenure, her influence and her knowledge saw this vision through. We dedicate this station in her honor.”
The Watlington family were guests of honor at the ceremony, including her father Joe Watlington; stepmother Betty Douthitt-Watlington; aunts and uncles; as well as her husband; daughter Allison Buschardt; daughter and son-in-law Sarah and John Vonnivong; and grandson, Zachary.
The 5-foot, 1-inch Marla was trained as a volunteer firefighter, medic and daytime dispatcher. For 10 years, Marla was a member of the Westfield Volunteer Fire Department and for 15 years was active in Aldine Fire and Rescue, a similar group.
She was co-founder of the Lone Star Fire Museum and collected and restored antique fire trucks. She loved horses and for 25 years rode with the annual trail rides to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Marla followed in the footsteps of her mother, Judith Watlington, who also was very active in her community. Judith died June 22, 2001 at age 64. She retired from the City of Palestine as assistant city manager in 1998.
She also served as president of the Palestine Public Library Board and was president of the YMCA Board of Directors at the time of her death. She also was a member of the Palestine Rotary Club and a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
“When Marla died, firefighters came from all over the nation for the funeral,” her father Joe Watlington said. “The funeral procession was more than a mile long.”
Her family heard from the Aldine firestation about a month and a half ago about the dedication ceremony.
“I had no idea how widespread and respected she was by her peers until her funeral,” Watlington said. “Whenever she was here in Palestine, she was always busy making sure everyone was loved and taken care of.”
Aunt Ruth Watlington said the dedication ceremony was extra special for her family.
“It was wonderful. We had a great weekend spent remembering her,” Ruth Watlington said. “It showed the openheartedness of the Aldine fire department and what they thought about her.”
Local News
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The Aldine Fire Rescue Station No. 31 in Harris County honored the late Marla Buschardt, daughter of Joe Watlington of Palestine and the late Judith Watlington of Palestine, by naming its newest station in her memory during a dedication ceremony Saturday. Courtesy Photo
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Aldine fire station named for woman with local ties
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