DENHAM SPRINGS, La. — The Denham Springs City Council discussed a donation of a liberty tree from the Sons of the American Revolution group, as well as the ongoing success of their free fire alarm installation program, during their regular public meeting on April 14, 2026.
Denham Springs Celebratory Liberty Tree
The City of Denham Springs and the General Philemon Thomas Chapter, Louisiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution seek to recognize the 250th Anniversary of American Independence with a Semiquincentennial Liberty Tree.
According to historical records, the liberty tree was a famous elm planted in 1646 in Boston. In 1765, the Sons of Liberty staged the first act of defiance against the British government beneath that tree, launching their opposition to British rule in the colonies. As such, the tree became a symbol and beacon of hope and American freedom as well as a rallying point for the resistance. During the siege of Boston in 1775, the British destroyed the original liberty tree, leading patriots throughout the 13 colonies to designate and plant new liberty trees to carry on the tradition.
Chapter Registrar Dr. Derrick Spell, Chapter President Jim Moffat, and Chapter Officer Jeff Truax were present at the meeting to discuss donating the liberty tree, along with a commemorative plaque designed by Russ Godland, that will be planted somewhere in Denham Springs.
Dr. Spell noted that planting an oak tree instead of a traditional elm will not only make more sense with the unique Louisiana climate but also ensure that the tree will “live for a long time.”
Mayor Gerard Landry added that the council has been scouting sites for the tree and has located a place at the old First Baptist Church, between the bell tower and the baptist church’s cemetery, that Landry described as “very appropriate for the future.”
During the discussion, Councilman Robert Poole recounted his recent trip to Jericho, where he saw the sycamore tree that is believed to be the one Zacchaeus climbed to see Jesus, as described in the Bible. He noted that “there’s something about this living organism that was present at the time that just makes it unique and interesting… and so we honor our Lord by honoring the nation that he has so graciously blessed, and something like [the liberty tree] is a marvelous way to go about that.”
Even though the council did not need to vote to plant this tree or accept the donation, it still gave unanimous approval to proceed with the construction and installation of this new historical landmark.
Plans for an event celebrating this tree are set to be held close to the 4th of July this year, but nothing is definite at this time.
Smoke Alarms for the Hearing Impaired
The free smoke alarm installation service for Denham Springs citizens has seen a massive increase in claims over the last several months, with over 325 smoke alarms installed since January of this year.
Richard Stafford, Fire Chief for the city of Denham Springs, was present at the meeting to demonstrate and discuss the fire alarm system available to individuals who are hearing impaired.
For hearing-impaired citizens, their smoke alarm system will look slightly different. While they will still have an alarm set up on the wall, that alarm will be connected to a clock radio, which will then be connected to a “paddle” placed under their mattress. In the event of a fire, the wall alarm will still sound, while the clock will flash a bright, vibrant red, with the word “FIRE” displayed across the interface in both English and Spanish. When this occurs, the smoke alarm system will also send a signal to the paddle under the mattress, causing it to vibrate so intensely that it shakes the entire bed, waking the individual and alerting them to a fire.
Free smoke alarms for hearing-impaired individuals are available for installation by request from the city’s fire department through their smoke alarm service.
Noise Variance for Cinco De Mayo Event
The council also unanimously approved authorizing a public hearing on a noise variance request for T’quilas Bar & Grill for their upcoming Cinco De Mayo outdoor event on May 3-5, 2026, from 11am to 10 pm each day. The hearing will take place on April 27, 2026.
