On Monday, April 24, Joaquin Criner, president of the Lewisville Fire Fighters Association, and Mark McNeal, fire chief of the Lewisville Fire Department, joined Lauren and Luke Charles, as well as other members of the Lewisville fire family, at the state capitol in Austin to pay tribute to fallen Fire Fighter Landun Charles.

Landun tragically passed away at home on Dec. 31, 2021. Landun had recently completed a shift as an emergency flight paramedic and was preparing for his shift at the firehouse when he suffered a cardiac event due to unknown complications from COVID-19, which he contracted while serving as an emergency responder. Landun was mourned deeply by his colleagues, who have since not only honored his sacrifice, but also provided unwavering support to his wife, Lauren, and their young son Luke. Landun passed away just a month before his son's birth, which he was eagerly anticipating.

In the time that has passed, the Lewisville Fire Fighters Association and the Lewisville Fire Department have remained steadfast in their support of Lauren and Luke. On Monday, the Texas State Senate and House of Representatives honored Landun through separate tributes.

House Resolution 1195, authored by Rep. Kronda Thimesch of District 65 and Rep. Benjamin Bumgarner of District 63, was read by Rep. Thimesch on the House floor. Lauren, Luke, President Criner, Chief McNeal, and other loved ones stood in the gallery as Landun was commemorated. On the Senate floor, Senate Resolution 448, penned by Sen. Tan Parker of Senate District 12, was read by a staff member. Sen. Parker honored Landun's dedicated service and assured Lauren and Luke of Texas' unwavering support.

The profound sense of loss was palpable among those present, but there was also immense gratitude for Texas’ elected officials honoring Landun in this manner. The knowledge that the state's leaders stand by emergency responders and their families in both celebratory and challenging times provides solace and comfort.

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