bergheim

Moving Forward Together

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:23:29 GMT

Discussion About Volunteer Fire Departments

Recently, there has been considerable discussion about volunteer fire departments, the resources we need, and the funding required to serve a rapidly growing community. Public discussion is healthy, and we respect the responsibility of elected officials to ask difficult questions. Responsible stewardship of taxpayer and donor dollars demands it.

Here are a few of the questions we've heard.

"You don't need mutual aid." - Mutual aid and automatic aid are cornerstones of the fire service. Emergencies don't happen one at a time, don't respect jurisdictional boundaries, and don't wait for the "right" department to become available. We assist neighboring agencies, and they assist us. Working together strengthens emergency response across Kendall County and beyond.

"Why do you need a UTV or boat?" - These are specialized rescue tools used where fire apparatus and ambulances cannot safely travel, including parks, ranches, trails, flood-prone areas, and remote properties. They help us reach people faster while improving firefighter safety.

"The county has medics." - We value our partnership with Kendall County EMS. Bergheim VFD is an Advanced Life Support First Responder organization, this allows us to begin critical patient care before EMS arrives and provide additional personnel during complex emergencies. Minutes matter.

"You're padding your call volume." - No. Every incident is documented in ImageTrend and follows established reporting and audit standards. One incident report is created per call—regardless of how many apparatus respond on the call. Accurate data helps us identify trends, measure performance, and plan for future needs.

"You're asking for too much funding." - Our proposal reflected the actual cost of operating a 24/7 combination fire department with the part-time/volunteer model. We presented the full cost so the Commissioners Court could make informed decisions based on complete and transparent information.

"You don't need an Emergency Services District (ESD)." - Whether an ESD is appropriate is a decision for the community and its voters. Our responsibility is to identify long-term funding needs and explain the resources required to sustain emergency services as our area grows.

"The county has money." - The County must balance many essential services. We respect that responsibility while fulfilling ours: advocating for the emergency service needs of our community.

This year, Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department presented the full cost of continuing to build our 24/7 staffing model by adding one additional part-time firefighter and one volunteer firefighter to each shift. This moves us closer to a four-person response, improving firefighter safety and supporting the intent of the nationally recognized 2-in/2-out standard.

It is also important to understand that Texas counties are not required to fund volunteer fire departments. Any county funding represents an investment in public safety, and we are grateful that Kendall County continues to partner with volunteer fire departments to meet the emergency needs of our communities.

We sincerely thank the Kendall County Commissioners Court for hearing our proposal and considering our request. While our full proposal was not funded, the Court approved a 5% increase to our operating budget and an additional $40,000 in personnel funding, matching the additional personnel support provided to Comfort Volunteer Fire Department.

We especially thank Andra M. Wisian, Kendall County Commissioner Precinct 2 for taking the time to meet and understand our operational needs and the realities of providing dependable emergency services in a growing community.

We will continue to train.

We will continue to improve.

We will continue to evaluate our performance.

We will continue to be responsible stewards of every dollar entrusted to us.

We will continue to work alongside our partners throughout Kendall County and neighboring communities.

And most importantly, we will continue to answer the call—day or night—with professionalism, compassion, and urgency.

Because when your family calls 911, the debate is over.

What matters is that someone is coming. Someone who is trained.Someone who is equipped.Someone who is ready.

That is who we will continue to be for Bergheim, Kendall County, and every neighboring community that asks for our help. #bergheimtx #volunteerfirefighter Alamo Springs Volunteer Fire Department Boerne Fire Department Comfort VFD Kendalia Volunteer Fire Department Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department Waring Tx Fire-Rescue Kendall County Office of Emergency Management & Fire Marshal Kendall County EMS Archangel Event Medicine @followers (photos courtesy of Alamo Area Fire Photography, LLC and BergheimVFD)

Family Reunited!

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 13:48:39 GMT

Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department Helps Locate Missing Kayaker

A Family Reunited - We are Thankful for the Outcome of the Extensive Search on the Guadalupe River

At approximately 10:28 p.m. on July 31, the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to assist with a report of a missing kayaker on the Guadalupe River.

After many hours of searching, we are grateful to report that the kayaker was located, evaluated by medics and reunited with his family. Searches like this don’t always have the ending we hope for, and we are beyond thankful this one did.

Search operations on the river—especially after dark—are incredibly challenging. First responders searched the riverbanks on foot and by boat; while drones equipped with thermal imaging and helicopters searched from above. Darkness, dense vegetation, moving water, flood debris and difficult terrain all add to the complexity of the search and rescue on the Guadalupe.

This rescue serves as an important reminder: Always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD) whenever you’re on the water. A life jacket is one of the simplest and most effective pieces of safety equipment you can have and can make all the difference in an emergency.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who helped. This is how the work gets done - together. Every agency, every volunteer, every pilot, and landowners who graciously opened their properties, allowing search crews access to areas that otherwise would have been unreachable.

A special thank you to the two individuals who ultimately spotted the missing kayaker, leading to his rescue.

It was truly a team effort, and because of that teamwork, one family was reunited with their loved one.

Stay safe, wear your life jacket, and enjoy our beautiful rivers responsibly. Kendall County Sheriff's Office Kendalia Volunteer Fire Department Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department Kendall County Office of Emergency Management & Fire Marshal Kendall County EMS Texas Game Wardens Bulverde Spring Branch Fire & EMS Texas Department of Public Safety - San Antonio Pilots

THANK YOU!!

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 17:21:56 GMT

Bergheim VFD Says Thank You

Heroes In Arms

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:34:57 GMT

Bergheim VFD, Kendall County EMS and Others Host Awards Ceremony

Today your Bergheim VFD, Kendall County EMS , The Kendall County Community and TEXAS have a proud story to tell. An awards ceremony was held at Security Service Federal Credit Union and in conjunction with Heroes in Arms (South Texas Blood & Tissue), South Texas Blood & Tissue, and DreamWeek San Antonio titled Revelations: The Unsung Heroes.

Today’s ceremony will be featured on FOX SA 9@9 https://foxsanantonio.com/news/local

Here are excerpts from Fox San Antonio News Anchor Ashley Paredez to recognize these unsung heroes.

“ I have the honor of sharing the story behind the Heroes in Arms program and what it truly takes to save a life. We often report crash after crash, tragedy after tragedy — but we don’t always get to tell the ending where everything comes together.

Since 2018, Heroes in Arms — the first program of its kind in the nation — has delivered lifesaving whole blood to trauma patients before they ever reach the hospital, surpassing 40,000 donations and counting.

One of those lives is Doug Winckler’s.

After a severe motorcycle crash in the Hill Country, Doug survived because of a chain of heroes:

Juan Martinez, a civilian bystander with military medical training who acted immediately
Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department: Fire Chief Adam Hawkins, Captain Ron Hudson, and Engineer Daniel White.
Kendall County EMS: Field Training Officer Greg Smith, Paramedic Alec Denton, and EMS Director Brian Web
Angela Ramon, a blood donor whose donation helped save Doug’s life
Hospital teams who carried his care through recovery
And incredibly, Doug’s own son —Dr. Winckler a physician who helped bring the pre hospital whole blood program to South Texas.

This is why Heroes in Arms exists. It’s proof that when bystanders, firefighters, EMS, donors, and medical teams work together, lives are saved — right here in our community.

Heroism doesn’t always wear a uniform. Sometimes, it starts with stopping to help — or rolling up your sleeve.”

Want to learn more - watch Foamfrats pre hospital blood medical documentary

https://youtu.be/yUlo8tMkEI0?si=Wa40AErmNtDBdWZh

Are You Ready To Play?

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:48:29 GMT

Blazing Boerne Mah Jongg Tournament!

Are you ready for Mah Jongg? Whether you are a player or spectator, come on down to The Kendall, 128 W Blanco Rd, Boerne, TX 78006 on February 23, 2026 and have some fun and to help benefit the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department. If you wish to play in the tournament, please use the following link to register: Mah Jongg Registration .

Thank you!

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:35:23 GMT

Thank You to Everyone Who Attended the Holiday Market!

Thank you to all the wonderful people who came out to the Home on the Ranch Holiday Market at Villhest Ranch. The venue was beautiful, and Molly did an incredible job organizing the event and bringing together such fantastic vendors.

We are truly grateful for all the donations to our fire department, including the generous contributions from Villhest Ranch, Home on the Ranch, Molly Dusenbury , the vendors, and every visitor who supported us. Thanks to you, we were able to raise over $4500 for our volunteer fire department.

We had the chance to visit with so many friends—old and new—and we’re proud to be part of this awesome Kendall County community.

And yes… we even snagged a fun photo with Santa (aka Todd), who I first met during the flood response efforts with Alamo Area Search & Rescue . It was so nice to see him.

Thank you all for making the day special. #volunteer #bergheim #bergheimvfd #boernetx #volunteerfirefighter

Santa Is Coming

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 20:05:36 GMT

Get An Early Start to Your Holiday Shopping!

Join us Saturday, October 15th for the Home on the Ranch Holiday Market at Villhest Ranch, located at 148 Kreutzburg Rd.

�� 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Come browse unique holiday gifts from local vendors, enjoy a family-friendly day on the ranch, and even visit with Santa! ��✨

Your Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department will also be on-site—stop by to learn more about what we do and how we serve our community.

Bring your friends, your family, and your holiday spirit!

We can’t wait to see you there. ��

Bergheim VFD Attends Honor Guard Training

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 15:28:40 GMT

Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department Sends Members for Honor Guard Training

Bergheim VFD looks forward to our four Bergheim Fire members that will be participating in training and who will be part of the joint Kendall County Honor Guard along with Boerne Fire Department Boerne Police Department Kendall County Sheriff's Office Kendall County Office of Emergency Management & Fire Marshal

You can read more about it in My Boerne News .

Congratulations Board Member Lance Hirsch!

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 14:53:16 GMT

Board Member Lance Hirsch Recognized in The Spirit of Precinct 2

We’re proud to see Lance recognized in The Spirit of Precinct 2 for his years of dedicated volunteer service and quiet leadership that continue to strengthen our community.

From his work with local youth as a Scout leader to his commitment to the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department, Lance’s example reminds us what true service looks like — giving time, heart, and skill to make a lasting difference.

Thank you, Lance, for all you do for BVFD and Kendall County! ��

(Read the full article below on page 4 from Commissioner Andra Wisian’s “The Spirit of Precinct 2.” https://indd.adobe.com/view/ecf96dd9-4334-44b1-b98c-3ab303b09e31 )

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT!

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 14:33:54 GMT

Bergheim VFD Helps Celebrate National Night Out

October 7, 2025 National Night Out!

Theres nothing better than our town and National Night Out. The Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department had a great time meeting our neighbors, and giving tours of our fire apparatus at the NNO event held at The Crossing neighborhood. We were joined by Kendall County EMS Kendall County Sheriff's Office .

Events like this remind us how special our community truly is — thank you to everyone who stopped by, asked questions, and took the time to connect with your local first responders.

We’re proud to serve and protect such an amazing community. Until next time — stay safe, Bergheim! PS. The Burn ban is ON.

#NationalNightOut #BVFD #CommunityStrong #VolunteerFireDepartment #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors

Generous Water Donation

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 19:41:28 GMT

Thank you National Volunteer Fire Council and Anheuser-Busch!

Thank you for the generous water donation!!

It’s no secret—it gets HOT in Texas. Now imagine adding gear and wildfire smoke to the mix... Staying hydrated isn’t just important, it’s survival.

A huge THANK YOU to Anheuser-Busch and National Volunteer Fire Council for donating emergency drinking water, and to Ben E. Keith Beverages (Cody Fly, General Manager) for getting it straight to our station! This water will help keep our crews fueled and ready during wildfires and long, hot days in the field.

This donation is part of Anheuser-Busch’s Emergency Drinking Water for Wildland Firefighters program, which provides clean water to volunteer departments.

Stay cool, Texas!

#disasterpreparedness , #firefighterhydration , #wildfireresponse , #wildfires , #anheuserbusch , #nvfc #TexasHeat #FirefighterStrong #StayHydrated #volunteer #BergheimVFD #TexasStrong

Give Back to Your Community

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 15:37:24 GMT

Support Your Local Bergheim Volunteer Firefighters!

Did you know your volunteer fire department has an Amazon Wish List? These are items we need — everything from gear to station supplies.

So far this year, we've responded to 194 emergency calls , including 85 calls just in March alone. We respond 24/7— We are 100% volunteer—and every bit of help goes a long way. Whether it’s a small item or something big, your support makes a real difference .

�� Check out the list here: https://a.co/dRJvBY7

❤️ Donate an item and know you're directly helping your local fire department continue to answer the call.

You can also donate via paypal https://www.bergheimvfd.org/funding

Thank you for always having our back—just like we’ve got yours!

#SupportYourFirefighters #VolunteerFireDept #CommunityStrong #BergheimFD #AmazonWishList

Thank You to Our Community!

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:18:02 GMT

BBQ and Silent Auction Benefits BVFD

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mike and Mimi Orr and John and Aime Kuhry for hosting a fantastic BBQ and silent auction benefiting our fire department. We truly appreciate all the hard work that went into making this event a success.

With more than 30 attendees, it was a wonderful gathering, and we’re thrilled to share that $4,500 was raised during the event. Additionally, an anonymous donation of $424 brought the total to an incredible $5,000 in support of your local fire department! This generous donation comes at a crucial time, as our call volume continues to rise—we responded to 85 calls in March alone and have answered 194 calls for service so far this year.

Your support means the world to us, and we couldn’t do what we do without you!

Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department Lends Hand to Couple in Need

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 18:07:56 GMT

Kendall County firefighters lend helping hand to couple in need of mobility assistance

To see how the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department assisted a local couple in need just click here to read the news story from KSAT.