Medina, a small community in Bandera County Texas, is recognized for their fierce patriotism, dedication to education, and historic preservation that remain deep in the hearts and minds of her residents.
How appropriate that distinguished representative members of the Major James Kerr Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) paid the Medina Volunteer Fire Department a visit Friday afternoon, April 28, 2023, to honor them for their patriotism.
The Kerrville DAR Chapter has been dedicating much time cleaning tombstones at their local Glen Rest Cemetery since October.
Lisa Williams, Nanette Lund and Barbara Lund Woodman, had been to four other fire stations in the large region Friday.
They noted that Medina, their last stop of the day, was only one of five volunteer fire departments to earn an A+ rating for their patriotic endeavors.
Medina VFD President Terry Thomas, along with volunteers Criss Wilson, Harvey Young and Marc Lindell were on hand to welcome and receive the award.
The Medina VFD, with 34 current volunteers, covers an enormous 386 square miles of Bandera County, “but there is only fire hydrant water available in just one square mile, here, nearby,” said Wilson.
Wilson showed off their 43 foot fire truck, number 3397 tender.
“It is so long…and our former fire station was only 39 foot long,” he noted.
Wilson explained that about 7 years ago, “we were able to make a land trade” with the Admitz family. “It was basically a property switch, with” construction involved at both locations.
Wilson credits local contractors and residents Shane Keese (who is Fire Chief), Fred Sides, and Travis Klaassen as leading the construction of their new location which opened in 2017.
“3397 holds 4,000 gallons tender and is the largest truck in the entire Texas Forest Service region,” Wilson said.
The DAR visitors toured the station with Thomas explaining the well-trained volunteers conduct a number of programs, including education on fire prevention, medical emergencies, and other disaster preparedness.
“We also advise citizens and municipal governments in our protection area about ordinances and services consistent with safety goals,” she explained.
According to Wilson, the station’s highest number of calls are “medicals” at about “70 to 80 percent, and up to 90 percent in some months.”
“Number two kinds of calls are motor vehicles,” he elaborated. “Wrecks, especially head-ons, motorcycles, RV’s. It’s an array.”
“Wild fires are especially critical,” Wilson said. “Primary structure calls too.”
“We tend to be the first and last source for medical needs,” he mentioned. “A lot of our population are poor and elderly” with resources so far away for immediate needs
The National Society of the DAR is a womenās service organization whose members can trace their lineage to an individual who contributed to securing American independence during the Revolutionary War.
“Todayās DAR is dynamic and diverse, with over 185,000 members in 3,000 chapters in the United States and abroad,” their media kit states. “DAR members annually provide millions of hours of volunteer service to their local communities across the country and world.”
“DAR chapters participate in projects to promote historic preservation, education, and patriotism. Over one million members have joined the organization since its founding in 1890.”
The Kerrville DAR chapter has about 160 members.
“We are all about God, Home, and Country,” Woodman smiled.
The Medina VFD holds their annual Fellowship Fish Fry Sunday, April 30 at the station beginning at 11 am.
On Friday, June 2, from 6 pm to 8 pm, they will bring a truck to the First Baptist Church of Medina as part of a community-wide summer kickoff Block Party.
Carnival games, mule rides, bounce house, Harvey Young’s Pigeons, free food, hotdogs, popcorn, snowcones, contests, music, photo booths and more will be provided free.
There will also be community services and source tables (water conservation, Samaritanās Purse: Operation Christmas Child, authors, summer programs, etc.) will be on site at Church Street and 255 Patterson.
IN GOD WE TRUST
CLICK: PARK LANE by Rebecca Taylor
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Clever Journeys 
In Pittsburgh, the city is 55 Square Miles, thereās multiple Full Time Fire Houses, these guys sleep there when they arenāt on calls or doing work at the Fire House, Tending to Trucks, etc. In addition to Building Fires, Vegetation Fires, Vehicle Accidents, and much more, they are First Responders for Medical Calls. The Paramedics are usually in the same Firehouse, i.e. a Bay for the Ambulance, and Bays for the Fire Trucks. The City Abounds in Fire Hydrants, some actually work (most work, but in a democrat controlled area, maintenance falls seriously behind).
The Borough I live in, on the Border of Pittsburgh, has 3 Firehouses (and other Boroughs Border Pittsburgh and they too have Fire Houses), if I have the story correctly, in my Borough,they are Staffed by Volunteers as much as possible (Volunteers stay at the Fire House as much as they can, ready to Respond in minimal time).
The Fire Station you blogged about has a Staggering 386 Square Miles to tend to, and Fire Hydrants sound downright rare. And they also serve for First Responders, if I read the article correctly, they have significant Medical Calls to address. That is indeed a ponderous task and must make for a long day. Praise where Praise is Due applies here.
Paul Harvey āFiremanā At his BEST he tells what its like to be a firefighter
Paul Harvey ā Policeman ā One of His Best Narrations
Operator ā Short film by Caroline Bartleet
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Yes, I know some of these men & women locally. Very good people.
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Oh my ~ thank you for sharing these amazing videos. The unsung heroes of our communities doing thankless jobs. Grateful for organizations like the DAR that recognize excellence in our public service groups. ā¤šŗšø
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