Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department
P.O. Box 4141, Bergheim, TX 78004
Firemen and Volunteers at work
FOURTH ANNUAL BARBECUE DINNER FUND RAISER at ANHALT Saturday, September 25th, 5 p.m. - ? BARBECUE, BAKE SALE, LIVE & SILENT AUCTIONS, HILL COUNTRY RAFFLE, LIVE ENTERTAINMENT, & DANCING! Please join the Committee!
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Let it rain! Let it rain! Remember last year how dry everything was all over central Texas and the Western U.S? The Bergheim VFD had just gone into operation on June 1, 2009, and we were receiving brush fire alarms almost every day. We had just purchased our new brush truck and placed it into operation in September of that year. This new unit increased our ability to battle brush fires as an efficient first response unit. We are thankful for all the recent, soaking rains which have turned everything green; the creeks and rivers are running full again. However, this lush growth will create the fuel that can dry out very quickly when the rains cease and the creeks dry up. As the saying goes, “for everything there is a season.” Our goal is to be prepared for those seasons, the seasons when the greenery begins to dry up in our region. One year later, the BVFD is better prepared with the addition a new 1250 gallon engine pumper that will be delivered by the end of July. This new piece of equipment will provide the Bergheim VFD the capability of becoming the first responding unit to any structure fire in our response area. We have also been given a ‘duce and a half’ military truck from the Spring Branch VFD which we are converting into an additional water hauler. By July, the department will be up to five vehicle units. Undoubtedly, this first year of operation can be described as a great success. We hope to make year two just as successful. ‘We have come a long way’ because of the Bergheim community which has given this department great financial support through all of the fund raisers. ‘We have come a long way’ because of the volunteers, who have worked tirelessly giving of their time and energy. I hope all of the volunteers realize how much they are appreciated and though recognition is sometimes overlooked, I assure you it is not forgotten. Besides the volunteers, our support comes from all over the Bergheim community, from the farms, ranches, subdivisions, commercial, and retail citizens. We have received contributions and financial help from clubs, bunco groups, golfers, business, ranchers, and individual home and property owners. Now that we are entering our second year I ask you to continue your generous support by helping with our fourth annual fund raiser at Anhalt on September 25. Our seasoned volunteers know how to make the Anhalt event a success. If you are interested in becoming part of this winning team, we can sure put you to work! Please contact Nalga Mabane @ 830-336-4485 for more information. Finally, we invite the community to come by and visit the members of the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department. Stop by and say hello to Chief Hoffstadt and his cadre of fire fighters. We invite you to tour the facility, have a cup of coffee, and learn how to be more involved in your Bergheim VFD. It’s your house, too! Furthermore, the door is always open for new volunteer fire fighters. Hope to see all of you real soon. Kindest Regards, Tom Laurin |
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___________________________________________________________________ Placing an Emergency Call Bergheim VFD is dispatched through the Kendall County system; therefore, 911 should be called for any and all emergencies in our area. When a call is made to 911, the caller's address is used to determine which emergency services are to be dispatched and from which department. Very often, two fire departments are dispatched so that the correct equipment can be sent; this is especially the case for Bergheim VFD, who can only provide limited service at this time. Although the dispatcher has area maps, there are a number of new homes and in some cases located on new streets so it helps to give as specific information about your location as possible. For example, the number of intersections from an established hi-way, could decrease response time for other area departments assisting Bergheim VFD. Please remember that the correct way to summon emergency services is 911.
BERGHEIM VFD NEWS - June On June 1st, the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department celebrates its one year anniversary. It was on June 1, 2009, that the department was officially able to begin responding to grass fires. With the new pumper/tanker due for delivery in July 2010 and the continued training our firefighters are receiving, the Department will be eligible to fight structure fires in the very near future. This has been a very busy as well as productive year for the Firefighters, the Board of Directors, and all of the Volunteers who have put in countless hours to help make the Department successful in its first year of operation. There is still much to be done, however, and the Department appreciates your continued support through donations of time and money. Planning has begun for the Fourth Annual Barbecue Dinner Fund Raiser to be held in Anhalt on Saturday, September 25. As in past years there will be live and silent auctions, a hill country raffle, bake sale, live entertainment, and dancing. Volunteers are needed to serve on committees and to help solicit donations for the auctions and raffle items. Please contact Nalga Mebane at (830) 336-4485 or by email at npmebane@gvtc.com if you are interested in volunteering. Individual and corporate sponsors are welcome to help underwrite expenses for additional lighting, acoustical equipment, and the band. The June Priority Needs Item, one Chain Saw (cost = $300 - $500), is still available. Chain saws are essential in the fire service since they are used for everything from cutting limbs and branches for access during a rescue to cutting holes in wooden rooftops to provide ventilation. Since the July Priority Needs Item was donated as a result of being featured in the Spring 2010 Newsletter, Chief Jeff Hoffstadt has designated a Tool Storage Chest (cost = $500) as an additional Priority Needs Item for July. A tool chest with drawers and casters for easy mobility will be housed in the fire station and used to store the tools required for vehicle and building maintenance. Anyone interested in making a tax-deductible contribution toward the purchase of either item should make a check payable to Bergheim VFD and note “Chain Saw” or “Tool Chest” in the memo section. Donations should be mailed to Bergheim VFD Tax-Deductible Contributions Anyone wishing to make a contribution can do so by mailing a check to Bergheim VFD, P.O. Box 4141, Bergheim, TX 78004. It should be noted that donations can be made in shares of stock as well as cash. Also, sponsorship in the form of a memorial or in honor of an individual or group toward the purchase of the new truck, the February or March Priority Needs Items, or any of the items on the Priority Needs List is welcome. All contributions are tax-deductible as the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department is a 501c3 approved non-profit organization. The Bergheim VFD Board of Directors and Firefighters greatly appreciate your continued support. New Pumper/Tanker
Landscaping Update Landscape Design (click for an image)
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Firefighter training continues to take place on Tuesday nights at the station, and the cub scouts meet on Wednesdays. Any groups in our local area interested in scheduling a meeting/event at the fire station should contact T.J. Garcia our Building Manager (phone 830-336-4809 or email: tjgarcia49@gvtc.com).
The Bergheim VFD is a 501C(3) non-profit organization and contributions are deductible under section 170 of the IRS Code. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by mailing it to the Bergheim VFD, PO Box 4141, Bergheim, TX 78004. As always, the BVFD Board of Directors appreciates the support and generosity of everyone in the community.