Thanks to our great volunteer fire departments

JUDGE’S COMMENTS

All of us in Milam County depend on volunteer fire fighters to protect us.

These men and women are trained in fire fighting and in the medical profession for our benefit.

They respond at all hours of the day and night to control fires and/or to attend to those who need medical attention.

These are truly servants of the county who are volunteering in our best interests and safety. As citizens we must support them and thank each and every one of them.

Virtually all of the money needed to operate our nine fire departments is raised by the volunteer fire fighters. Money for buildings, fire trucks, radios and firefighting equipment is raised by the volunteers.

For example, last Saturday night the Cameron Fire Department had its annual fund raiser and this Saturday the Milano Fire Department will have a chili supper at its fire station in Milano beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Later this year, Rockdale will have its annual fund raiser on April 23.

Every nickel raised by these events goes to purchase and maintain the necessary equipment to run a fire department.

Thus, these fine men and women volunteer their time to raise money in addition to their time to protect and serve us.

In the county, we have nine volunteer fire departments: Gause, with Fire Chief, Scott Koenig; Buckholts with Fire Chief, Robert Rodriquez; Burlington, with Fire Chief, Gene Klein; Cameron, with Fire Chief, Henry Horelica; Rockdale, with Fire Chief, Ward Roddam; Bartlett with Fire Chief, Steven Wentreck; Milano, with Fire Chief, Jesse Love; Thorndale, with Fire Chief, Eric Melde; and Minerva, with Fire Chief Ernie Glenn.

Many of these chiefs have over thirty years of volunteer service and each is dedicated to providing quality protection.

The fire departments are not taxing entities and thus no taxes are collected by them. Milam County does contribute to each of the nine departments and I am proud to say that each received a $2,500 increase this year over 2019 as the commissioners court recognizes the hard work and dedication of these fine community servants.

All told, Milam County will donate approximately $100,000 in 2020.

Thus, I ask of every Milam County citizen: say thanks to your local volunteer fire fighters and support them financially.

Go to their benefits and donate. Every little bit helps.

On behalf of the Milam County Commissioners Court, we thank every fine volunteer of our fire departments for keeping us safe.