ROCKWALL, TX (August 26, 2025) Every day, our first responders run toward danger when others run away. They answer the call, put their lives on the line, and carry the weight of protecting others. On Saturday, September 27, the community has the chance to answer the call for one of those heroes at the annual Firefighters’ Ball, hosted by the Rockwall Professional Firefighters Charities at The Hilton Dallas/Rockwall Lakefront.
This year’s black-tie-optional ball is more than an evening of brotherhood, dining, and dancing—it’s a chance to honor a lifetime of service and to support a first responder family in their time of greatest need.
A Life of Service
For more than three decades, Chris Kemp has been the man who shows up when it matters most. He spent 30 years serving as a police officer in Lewisville while volunteering for 14 years with the Mabank Fire Department, where he earned awards like Firefighter of the Year and the Rick Lasky Pride and Ownership Award.
When tragedy struck in 2023, claiming the lives of his brother and sister-in-law in a motorcycle accident, Chris and his wife, Jennifer, didn’t hesitate. They welcomed their teenage niece and nephew into their home, expanding their family of three children overnight.
But just as the family began to heal, Chris faced a devastating diagnosis. After a car accident revealed a brain tumor, doctors told him the words no one wants to hear: “You’ve got 12 months.”
“My brothers in blue showed up. My brothers in red showed up. All my friends from all over started calling,” Chris said. “You always talk about the legacy that you leave behind in the police and fire world, and that’s what people remember you by. In our job we can be replaced by anybody, but it’s what you leave behind that really makes a difference.”
A Night of Hope
The Firefighters’ Ball will feature an elegant dinner, casino gaming, complimentary cigar lounge, a live auction, and one of the hottest party bands in the country, The David Whiteman Band, bringing Top 40 hits, R&B, funk, jazz, and rock to the dance floor.
“This ball is open to the public, and it’s one of the most impactful nights of the year,” said Michael Caffey, President of the Rockwall Professional Firefighters Association. “It’s about standing together for those who have stood for us. Chris has spent his life protecting others—now it’s our turn to support him and his family.”
Answer the Call
The Firefighters’ Ball isn’t just a night out—it’s a chance to give back to a man who has given his all. By purchasing a ticket, you’re not just buying dinner and entertainment; you’re investing in hope, stability, and strength for Chris and his family.
Because when one of our own needs help, the brotherhood and sisterhood of public safety—and the community they serve—always answers the call.
Join us Saturday, September 27, at The Hilton. Be part of something bigger than a ball. Be part of Chris’s fight.
Tickets available now at: https://muradbid.com/app/public/bidapp/rockwallfirefighters
Sponsored content, RPFA.
Answering the Call: Rockwall Firefighters’ Ball to support veteran first responder Chris Kemp added by Editor on
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