Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department
P.O. Box 4141, Bergheim, TX 78004
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Greetings once again to the Bergheim Community. What a treat it is to live here in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. As you know several years ago a group of interested citizens had a vision of building a Volunteer Fire Department in order to help preserve our native beauty, and protect our homes from loss resulting in fire. The dedicated effort of so many has resulted in the completion of our new BVFD building, located at the corner of Old Curry Creek Road and Hwy 46. The building site which was once a bend in the road with no intended use is now the completed location of our volunteer fire department. With the help of County Officials, the Eastern portion of Kendall County now completes a fire protection plan that has long been envisioned. The fire equipment and manpower that Bergheim will soon provide brings Kendall County its seventh volunteer fire department. As residents, we can all be proud of the initiative undertaken by the visionaries of four years ago. Yes it has taken that amount of time to get from a good idea, to where we are now. It all began when County Officials embraced the concept for fire protection in our area initiated by a core group of local residents. These folks led the way by building support in all subdivisions, pooling talents, raising funds, looking for resources, building design, and construction of what we now see on the site. Those who pioneered this effort are truly appreciated by our community. There are so many people and organizations that have contributed to the establishment of the BVFD, that in concern of missing someone I would just say, “Thank You” for all your generosity. We will recognize each and every one of you in our public notice of thanks. So, as the saying goes, all good things take time, and along with vision, perseverance, and the dedication of many solid citizens, the opening day has finally arrived. Our Grand Opening will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to take place on May 14th at 1:30 PM. The ceremony provided by the Boerne Chamber of Commerce is opened to the entire community, and your presence would be an honor. The ceremony will reconigize our State, County, and local leaders, as well as those who played key roles in making this happen for our community. Additionally, the BVFD will host an Open House to the community on Saturday May 16, from 1Pm to 5PM, serving hot dogs and soft drinks. We hope you will stop by and take this opportunity to tour the Fire Station, meet staff members, Chief Hoffstadt, and the cadre of Fire Fighters who will all be happy to answer any questions. Additionally, our equipment will be on display, along with information regarding fire service to the community. We also have a Community Coordinator who can give you information about the facility usage for public and private events. So please, come by and visit your new Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department, and find out what you can do as a supporter of this organization. In summary, our new Bergheim Fire Department will be in service to fight brush fire beginning on June 1, 2009. Equipment and manpower training will determine when in the near future we can be first responders to structure fires. As our base of assets grows, so will our capability, this will result in a better ISO rating which is in direct correlation to your home insurance rates. We fully expect to be issued the best rating when we call for our inspection by regulators. The main component is the ability to transport water to the scene of a fire. We are presently in the process of determining and acquiring our start up equipment. Once operational, we have access to federal and private grants, and will apply for every grant available. Grants require the ability to pay as little as twenty percent of the actual cost for equipment such as a new engine or tanker truck. When that cost is three hundred thousand dollars we need thirty to sixty thousand. This is why we need continued support, we will have our annual fund raiser at Anhalt each year, and the next one is scheduled for September 26, 2009. We also hope to have an EMS Unit stationed in our department; this will provide added protection to our community in critical emergencies requiring medical assistance. Let us all continue to do what we can. It makes the effort more workable for the entire community. Your financial donations have allowed this Fire Department to become a reality, so please keep up the strength of giving. The life or home saved may be yours or a family member. Your gifts make a difference because fire and accident is no respecter of persons. When the alarm sounds, you’ll be glad we are here! Thank You All,
Thomas A. Laurin
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| To Volunteer or Donate Call 210 663 4340 ___________________________________________________________________ Ribbon Cutting Ceremony BVFD Community Open House Two memorials, a handsome handmade bench in memory of Austin Tong and a long-toothed maple tree in memory of Gordon Parker, Jr., donated by friends and neighbors in Cordillera Ranch were dedicated at the event. Kathleen and Hannah Rose Tong and Barbara Parker were present for the ceremony. One question was asked repeatedly that day: “When will the BVFD begin responding to fires?” As of June 1st, the department will begin responding to brush fires; however, the department needs more fire trucks, equipment, firefighter suits/gear and additional training before our firefighters can begin responding to structure fires. To help meet these needs, the department will now begin applying for grant money (the structure has to be completed before a volunteer fire department can apply for grants). The department will also hold fundraisers including the annual B-B-Q dinner at Anhalt and T-shirt sales among other things to help raise the additional funds to help this effort. Landscaping Update Landscape Design (click for a image) Annual Anhalt Barbeque, Dance & Auction Fundraiser |
PLEASE HELP FURNISH THE BVFD KITCHEN!!
Donations are accepted and committee will purchase items that are needed! |
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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 Sean Hager, our Building Manager (phone 210 385-1183 or email: sean@thehagers.net).
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.