20 Years, 20 Stories – Laura and Ed Norman: Hard-wired for Service
Years Active: 2014-2022
“I believe God made us to be servants, not consumers. Our service with TEXSAR is part of that,” said Laura Norman as she discussed the involvement that she and her husband, Edward, had with TEXSAR from 2014 to 2022.
As a fireman/paramedic in 2014, Edward worked for Fort Bend County Emergency Management and knew about TEXSAR. He believed it was a match to Laura’s desire to serve others. TEXSAR also met his goals for their family to be trained in critical emergency skills. A lot of changes have occurred since they began, some personal and some professional, but it all fits into their innate service orientation.
Edward is now a Senior Liaison Officer for the Texas Division of Emergency Management and Laura is the Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for Galveston County. “When we married,” Laura said, “Edward transitioned from a bachelor’s life to one with five kids. From the beginning he wanted to instill in them a sense of purpose.” Clearly, they see that sense in Laura and Edward.
“In my role, I am often asked by area officials, ‘Did you put TEXSAR on standby?’ when there is a possible emergency situation on the horizon,” Laura said. “You can’t underestimate how important it is that TEXSAR volunteers are consistent, reliable, and trustworthy. They are obedient in that they do what the requesting agencies ask of them. Texas a great resource in TEXSAR.”
Laura explained that when TEXSAR responds to support incidents on the Bolivar Peninsula, “They save lives. Every time.” TEXSAR also coordinates with the Coast Guard, supporting maritime operations in Galveston County and the region.
Laura and Edward know that every mission is challenging. “We’re both problem solvers. I’d say all TEXSAR volunteers are, too. You never know what you’ll encounter.” She then shared a story of TEXSAR volunteers stranded at an H-E-B during a flood event. Instead of waiting to be rescued, they set up a forward base of operation and began serving nearby residents, some of whom had to swim up to the store to get help. “Every day and every mission includes variables. I believe it is the core values of the TEXSAR volunteers that enables them to work so cohesively as a team.”
Laura believes that a lot of people hear the whisper that calls them to service, but they are not sure what to do with the message. “When I first inquired about TEXSAR, I was told ‘There is a place for everyone in this work. Whatever skills you have can be utilized by TEXSAR for the good of others.’ I believe that is true. Whether it is IT expertise or the heart to distribute water, or anything in between, there is a place for you in TEXSAR. Not everyone is called, but there is a place for those who are.”
Laura and Edward have responded to the call, personally and professionally. “We are hard-wired for service. It is something we simply have to do,” she said.
Are you wired like Laura and Ed? Consider joining TEXSAR. Get more information at https://www.texsar.org/join-texsar/.
TEXSAR: 20 Years, 20 Stories, is a series of people-centric stories that celebrate the history of TEXSAR’s heroics and humanity as its volunteers continue their mission of “Texans helping Texans with Service above Self.” The sequence of stories and profiles come together in 2024, the nonprofit’s 20th anniversary year.
