Thursday, February 07, 2008 - 03:08 AM

Standing ready and proud!

What does it mean to be a Volunteeer Fire Department Member? Well, I have been a part of a Volunteer Fire Department just about 25 years. I can't believe it is aproaching 25 years!! Well, I have never been so proud of that. I started out Volunteering for Gun Barrel City VFD along with most of my family. My Father was Fire Chief and other family members were involved too. Even my mom, she became certified in basic firefighting too. Now, Payne Springs VFD is a big family. All of us would do anything for each other. Yes, we have family members helping out. We stand proud! I just finished completing 2007 training reports and boy, we added more certified firefighters. That makes a Chief proud. As Chief, I try to make each and every member feel at home. But with 42 members, it is hard to please everyone, but I try! I am VERY proud of our Department. We stand ready each and everyday. We are thankful for our Equipment and Apparatus and take pride in it. Just think, not only do we fight fires, we train and keep everything response ready. We do most of our own upkeep.
I know it seems like we are always asking for something on our sign out front of the station but it works. From an ice machine and freezer, to a TV, DVD player to a new motor for a grass truck we have received it. I just want to thank everyone who has donated. What it does when someone helps us allows us to keep things going and allows us to utilize budget money on other high priority issues. Keep up the good work we need it. So, All you Volunteers out there, stand proud and keep up your dedication, from one Fire Chief, we thank you!