Houston, September 8, 2021 – LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) today honored first responders and the 20th anniversary of 9/11 with a custom commissioned mural in Downtown Houston. The company also donated $200,000 to the Texas Task Force Foundation and Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX) – two organizations that are dedicated to supporting and training first responders. In recognition of LyondellBasell’s support of our first responders, the city of Houston issued a proclamation making September 8 LyondellBasell First Responders Day.
“We will never forget the bravery and heroism demonstrated by first responders on 9/11. For the 20th anniversary, we are proud to honor those who not only lost their lives but also those who continue to serve and protect us every day,” said Kim Foley, LyondellBasell senior vice president, Health, Safety and Environment, Global Engineering and Turnarounds. “First responders are an integral part of our company and our industry, allowing us to operate safely each and every day. Through their dedication and diligence, we are able to keep our employees and our communities safe.”
LyondellBasell fire trucks and emergency response team members, along with the Houston Police Department’s mounted patrol, unveiled the unique community mural, located at the corner of Caroline and Walker in Downtown Houston. LyondellBasell commissioned local artist and Houston’s own Alex “Donkeeboy” Roman Jr. to create a mural. His mom, Sylvia “Donkeemom” Roman worked side by side with her son to paint the mural.
“The mural serves as a reminder to never forget the brave men and women who act selflessly and courageously for our communities and our country,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner, City of Houston. “To have local artist Donkeeboy showcase his talents by paying tribute to our first responders is truly remarkable.”
During the ceremony, LyondellBasell announced two donations supporting first responders. The first donation of $100,000 was presented to Texas A&M Engineering Extension (TEEX), a leader in the delivery of emergency response training for first responders. The donation will enable the organization to equip first responders with the necessary training for responding to incidents and emergencies. First responders will participate in a 16-hour live-fire training at the Brayton Fire Training Field, a 297-acre facility that attracts more than 45,000 emergency responders from all 50 states and more than 45 countries each year. The training reinforces the tactical methods required to mitigate an industrial emergency incident.
The second donation, in honor of the 20th anniversary of 9/11, will provide $100,000 to the Texas Task Force Foundation, a federal response team under FEMA’s National Urban Search and Rescue System and a statewide response team under the Texas Division of Emergency Management. This team of volunteer first responders have played critical roles in response efforts during many major U.S. crises including 9/11, tornadoes, and countless hurricanes, even contributing to current response efforts for Hurricane Ida.
Joining LyondellBasell executives at today’s event were Mayor Pro Tem, Dave Martin, Houston Fire Department Chief Sam Peña, Houston Fire Department Assistant Chief Ruy Lozano, Houston Police mounted patrol, Houston Assistant Police Chief Patty Cantu, Chris Collier, SETRAC, local artist Alex “Donkeeboy” Roman Jr., representatives from TEEX, the Texas Task Force Foundation and Brookfield Properties. Brookfield provided the location for the mural installation.
Advancing Good
LyondellBasell is committed to being a responsible, good neighbor in the communities where we operate and through our global citizenship program, Advancing Good. The company invests in community organizations supporting three key areas: Advancing Our Communities, Our Planet and Tomorrow’s Workforce. Since 2018, LyondellBasell has provided more than $24 million in charitable giving and 43,000 employee volunteer hours.
Locally, LyondellBasell has provided essential safety equipment for the Houston Police Department, including support for the new Fertitta Tactical Training Village. The company also helped purchase rescue boats the Houston Fire Department used during recent flooding incidents and provided 10 extractors to clean fire fighter uniforms which removes cancer-causing carcinogens.
Additionally, LyondellBasell will serve as presenting sponsor for the Houston Astros’ First Responders Night, recognizing local first responders for their bravery and courageous work on game day. This year’s special game is at 7:00 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 11. Fans can stop by the LyondellBasell table at the game and pick up a first aid kit and commemorative magnet of the mural. Also, the first 10,000 fans attending the game will have the opportunity to receive a commemorative challenge coin.
For more information about how the company is making a difference globally, visit LyondellBasell’s Advancing Good page.
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