our everyday
Heroes No matter which uniform you wear, Freestone County appreciates your service to the community. Meet your everyday heroes: Police Officers, Volunteer Fire Fighters, Emergency Responders and more...
A special publication of the Freestone County Times Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by:
No matter the uniform, we appreciate those who serve our community: law enforcement, emergency responders, and fire fighters. Thank you for your service!
It’s a true calling. We have heroes in our community who answer the call – every day. Whenever a neighbor is in trouble, the members of an elite force: the firefighters, the emergency responders, the officers of the law – they answer the call. No matter the time of day or night, these dedicated individuals willingly put their life on the line when coming to the rescue. They are our friends, our neighbors. They are our true heroes.
BAR MILL GROUP Jewett Division
Roy W. Hill
Mayor of Fairfield
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May 6, 2015 www.FreestoneCountyTimes.com
Duties of a Texas Constable Today Texas Constables are a member of an elite corps of cowboy lawmen organized in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin, commissioned by the Governor and has, in the State, the powers and duties of a peace officer, including the power or duty to serve criminal and civil process, require aid in servicing process, arrest offenders with or without warrant in any situation, and enforce county ordinances or orders and laws of the state. Statutory law requires that one of the primary duties of the Constable is that of serving the three courts of the Justice of the Peace in the precinct where the Constable was elected, which includes a Criminal court, Justice civil court, and Small Claims court. Serving these courts means that the responsibility for processing, serving, delivering, and administering all warrants, subpoenas, citations, writs of attachments, writs of possession, writs of sequestration, writs of executions, and any other written order from the courts. The Constable shall serve as bailiff to the courts, obtain jurors for jury duty, and act as court administrator during trials. Game Wardens with Texas Parks & Wildlife are (left-right): Rob Sadowski, John In serving various writs and orders of the Thorne, canine Justin and Samuel Anderson. Recently commissioned, Justin is named for court, the Constable may seize and sell John’s classmate Justin Hurst, who was killed in the line of duty in 2007. Justin is a search and property at public auction, remove commercial rescue dog, as well as narcotic search dog.
and/or residential tenants by court order, seize property under court order, move tenants back into rental property under unlawful lockout, take inventory of assets on businesses and individuals under judgment, foreclose on bonds, foreclose on real property, attach (place in custody) individuals and/or property, and at the same time handle all the documentation and paperwork associated with each activity. In additions to serving such papers and process for the Justice of the Peace, the Constable also serves such process he receives from county, district, and federal courts, along with process he receives from outside the state. As a peace officer, the Constable investigates criminal activity in his precinct or the state and assists other law enforcement departments in their investigations. The Constable files offense reports, investigative reports, interviews suspects and witnesses for statements, and builds cases in cooperation with the district attorney’s office and other agencies for the filing of complaints with the courts or with the Grand Jury. Further Texas Constables do not work for any other law enforcement agency, but under state law, they are associate members of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Career of a Texas Game Warden After graduation from the Game Warden Training Center and receiving a commission as a State Peace Officer, the Game Warden performs responsible field enforcement duties involving the enforcement of all provisions of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code, Texas Penal Code and relevant provisions of other Texas laws. These include: provide testimony in court and administrative hearings; execute and serve all criminal processes resulting from enforcement activities; provide public safety and emergency management functions, including working in response to natural disasters and in homeland security operations; safeguard departmental equipment; prepare reports of activities and present programs concerning department
activities to the public; may conduct investigations of holders of permits and licenses issued by the department; maintain contact with landowners, resource users and the general public; and assist other law enforcement agencies as needed. Game Wardens work extensively out-ofdoors, during inclement and sometimes hazardous weather conditions, during natural disasters and under other possibly dangerous conditions. At times, wardens and cadets are required to work in highly stressful situations that may be hazardous to their health and safety, which could include working with people who are injured, violent, emotionally upset or otherwise pose a danger. ________________________________
Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by: Constables Elected to serve Freestone County are (left-right): Buck Bonner - Precinct 1, Roger Brooke - Precinct 4 and Diana Willis - Precinct 3. Not pictured is Lynn Clary - Precinct 2.
Thank You Letters
Paper Trail Leads to Conviction Litter Bug Goes to Prison
! y t n u o C e n o t s e e r F f o n e m o w d n a n e m e c i v r e s e h t g n i t r o p Proudly sup
en m e c i v r e s e h t g n i t r o p y! p t u n s u y o l C d e u on t Pro s e e r F f o n e m o w a nd
Texas Westmoreland Coal Co.
Dear Mr. Thorne, Thank you for being a good Game Warden risking your life to save us. Thank you for that day that we were at school telling us how to be a good Game Warden and thank you for figuring out who mest up our Pod even though it was a lesson. I just want to thank you for all the things you did for us. Your friend, Damonte Willis Fairfield ISD
Law enforcement officials literally followed a paper trail that led to the conviction of Michael Arnold as the culpable party in illegal dumping in Freestone County. Michael Arnold was a person of interest, by several law enforcement agencies, for numerous thefts and burglaries, two of which were worked by Freestone County Constable Pct. 1 Buck Bonner, with charges
filed. The felony trash dump was investigated by the Constable and Environmental Crimes Investigator Bill Madding. Copping a plea to both theft charges and the illegal dumping, Arnold was sentenced to approximately 18 months, making him the first known person in Freestone County to be sent to prison for felony trash dumping. ___________________
Dear Mr. Shipley,
Freestone County Sheriff’s Department
You do so much for Dew and Fairfield. You helped Dew on a lock down drill. I bet you do so much for Fairfield to. You arrest the bad people in Freestone County when I go to bed I alwase know that I’m safe. Sincerely, Preston Dew ISD Dear Police Officers, Thank you for when ya’ll caught those people who robbed that house, and ya’ll caught the guy that ran across Teague bare foot. I was scared, but my mom said, that God would care for us and, help ya’ll to put him under bars, and it happended. Sincerely, Cason Gore Teague ISD
Bill Madding, Chief Investigator Environmental Health Crimes
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May 6, 2015 www.FreestoneCountyTimes.com
Keeping law and order in Freestone County are the deputies of the Freestone County Sheriff’s Department (left-right): Clayton Aldrich, Chief Deputy Robert Shipley, Sheriff Don Anderson, Wade Harrison, Chief Bailiff and Deputy Rick Howerton, Dusty Brewer, Records Clerk Sheena Wimberly, Robert Elom, Heather Noll, Preston Cordova, Larry Jones, Tony Gassaway, Travis Robertson, and L.J. McAdams.
Serving the County One Hundred Fifty Years The Freestone County Sheriff’s Office, established in 1850, has been serving the Citizens of Freestone County for over 150 years. Currently under the direction of Sheriff Don Anderson, the Deputies and Staff of the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office serve Freestone County by providing law enforcement services to its citizens. Ten Patrol Deputies, two Criminal Investigators and one Narcotics Deputy patrol the rural areas of Freestone County, which is approximately 892 square miles, and provide law enforcement services to the 11,722 rural residents, as well as assisting the Texas DPS, Texas Game Wardens and the local police departments of Fairfield, Teague, Wortham and
Oakwood, which have a combined population of approximately 8,094 residents. In addition to calls of a criminal nature, Deputies also handle calls for esstrayed livestock, serve civil process and execute criminal warrants. The Freestone County Sheriff’s Office is also responsible for supplying Court Bailiff’s, who provide security for court cases at the Freestone County Courthouse. The Freestone County Sheriff’s Office also employs seven telecommunications and 911 Dispatch Officers, who answer the 911 calls and dispatch Sheriff’s Deputies, EMS, Fire, DPS, and Police assistance when requested by the citizens. Detention services are provided by the Freestone County
Sheriff’s Office Jail, which employs one Jail Administrator, ten Detention Officers, one Transportation Officer, and one Warrant and Records Clerk. The Freestone County Sheriff’s Office Jail is often at maximum capacity, so Limestone County Jail has been contracted by Freestone County to house inmates when there is no room at the Freestone County Jail. The Jail Transportation Officer is responsible for transporting inmates to the State Prisons, as well as serving Bench Warrants and picking up prisoners throughout the State of Texas and the rest of the United States, whenever a subject is arrested and held on a Freestone County Warrant. _____________________________________________
Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by:
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Wortham Police Department
Keeping Small Towns Safe When you hear people talk about the small town of Wortham, you think of a small quiet town with a laidback atmosphere. That would be a true and accurate depiction of Wortham. Wortham is able to maintain this laidback atmosphere due to its citizen’s interaction and cooperation with the police department. The Wortham Police Department, although small, attempts to maintain a professional
appearance and conduct itself in a professional manner. I believe that because of the police department’s dedication to professionalism, and each officer’s attempt to do his or her job to the best of their ability is the key to this success. Wortham may be laidback; however, that does not mean that the Wortham Police Department is not busy dealing with the everincreasing criminal elements that attempt to
conduct business in Wortham. The following are just a few of the many things the Wortham Police Department has been involved in since I have been the Chief of Police: --The WPD has been involved with responding and investigating Aggravated Assaults/ Deadly Weapons, Burglaries, thefts, multiple disturbances, sexual assault, domestic violence, several vehicle and foot pursuits, multiple thefts and criminal mischief, traffic accidents and the list goes on. --We have also assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office any time they have needed assistance. We have also assisted Fairfield PD, Teague PD and Mexia PD with investigations and responding for calls for assistance. --We have recovered stolen vehicles from the surrounding counties and made multiple arrests of wanted individuals. We have made multiple traffic stops that have resulted in arrests due to finding drugs or being intoxicated. There are many more things the Wortham PD has been involved in but they are too numerous to mention. The fact is that crime and illegal activity is everywhere. There is a continuous assault on every community. Without the dedication and due diligence of the Wortham Police Department and the cooperation and assistance of concerned citizens who live here, Wortham would not be able to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that it has. We are a small department with a hard working crew! I am very proud of our Full time Officers Monte Doty and Marcus Mason who work hard and are dedicated to protecting the citizens of Wortham. Reserve Sgt. Kelly Craig is over the Wortham Police Reserves. Counting Sgt. Craig, the Wortham Police Department has nine reserve officers, Gary McKnight, Justin Mach, Tim White, Erik Heilmann, Anthony Langley, Brad Butler, Chris Crowley, and John Bails. Without the assistance of the reserve officers, it would be difficult, to fully protect this city with just two full-time officers and a Chief. We continue to work hard to make and keep the City of Wortham a safe place to live and raise a family or just Wortham Police Department includes (left-right) Marcus Mason, Chief of Police relax and enjoy the small town “Mayberry” atmosphere. Kelly Butler and Monte Doty. The force also patrols the City of Streetman. By Wortham Chief of Police Kelly Butler _________________________________________________________________ ______________________________
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers also protect and serve the Citizens of Freestone County, and carry out DPS’s motto, “Courtesy, Service Protection.” For example, On February 23, 2015 Sergeant Wright and Trooper Wimberly were called to a crash on Interstate Highway 45. The Troopers gave a courteous ride to subjects in the crash to obtain a rental car in Palestine, Texas, and motel room in Fairfield, Texas. They also took the elderly couple and their dog to get lunch. This incident spanned over a five hour period and was a great effort from two DPS Troopers in your Freestone County. These guys do not like to be in the spot light, they just enjoy helping others in need on Texas highways.
Troopers Sullivan, W i m b e r l y, Warner, Manning and Prator cover Fairfield, whereas Troopers Conner and McKay patrol Teague, Texas. Other DPS officers who are officially assigned to other cities also occasionally cover Freestone County. These are Cpl. Seelinger and Trooper Carter out of Mexia, Texas and Troopers Allen, Shields, and Patrick out of Groesbeck, Texas. All are under the direction of Sgt. Gary Wright.
An Open Letter to DPS Troopers Sgt. Gary L. Wright: I just want to say “Thank you” for being so “kind and gracious” to us on 2-23 when we had an accident. You went beyond the call of duty, and I know that God will richly bless you for that. The Great State of Texas should be so proud of you! Sincerely, Louis and Shirley Miller Sgt. Wright: Thank you so much for helping my grandparents when they lost their trailer Monday, 2/23. As an officer, we never imagine or try to protect our families from everything we can but I am so grateful it was you and Trooper Wimberly that helped them that day. Above and beyond was your service and you’re truly appreciated! Hope you can enjoy the patches. Shane Harell
Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by:
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Freestone County Tax Office Lisa Foree - Tax Assessor & Staff
903-389-2336
Thank You for your service! Long Industries is committed to the highest standards of safety performance. We honor our friends and neighbors: those who
That is why we proudly support the dedicated men and women of Freestone County who make health and safety their top priority! We appreciate all those who answer the call to serve their communities: law enforcement, fire fighters, and emergency responders.
choose to serve as Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, and Emergency Medical Responders. Everyday Heroes keep our small towns strong!
Theresa Farris, Pct. 1 and Cinnamon Archibald, Pct. 3
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May 6, 2015 www.FreestoneCountyTimes.com
City of Teague Police Dept.
Thank You Letters Dear Hero, Thank you for helping everyone get out of danger. You are the best, even better than Superman and stronger. You go through danger like ninjas, but braver and more fearless, and when we need your help you are there faster than a flash. You can get there from New York to Wortham in the blink of an eye. You teach us about safety and not to be afraid, but to be strong, brave, and fast. Thank you for everything you do. Sincerely, Josh Wortham ISD Dear Dew VFD, I want to thank you guys for saving lives and doing things for the greater good. You risk and unfortunately lose people along the way, but I want to make it up to them. You Dew Fire Department have given us courage, strength, sacrifice, inspiration, and hope. No matter what situation I know you’ll be there to help. A person you’ve inspired, Waylon Dew ISD
Teague Police Department includes (left-right) Mike Darby, James Hastings, Chief of Police Dennis Cox, Jason Morgan and Matt Foree. Not pictured is Trent Sanders. _______________________________
Responsibilities of a Texas Ranger The Texas Ranger Division is the primary criminal investigative branch of the Texas Department of Public Safety. The activities of the Texas Ranger Division consist primarily of conducting criminal and special investigations, apprehending wanted felons, suppressing major disturbances, protection of life and property, and rendering assistance to local law enforcement officials in suppressing crime and violence. Programs under the direction and supervision of the Texas Rangers are: Border Security – Ranger Reconnaissance Teams (Riverine operations); Public Corruption investigations; Major Case investigations; Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program – Cold Case investigations; Special Operations Group – Special Weapons and Tactics,
Texas Ranger Jake Burson
Regional Special Response Teams, Crisis Negotiation Units and Explosive Ordnance Disposal. The Texas Ranger Division will, through investigation and close personal contact with all federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies, be responsible for the gathering and dissemination of criminal intelligence pertaining to all facets of organized crime. The Texas Ranger Division joins with all other enforcement agencies in the suppression of the same. Under orders of the Director, suppress all criminal activity in any given area, when it is apparent that the local officials are unwilling or unable to maintain law and order. Upon the request or order of a judge of a court of record, serve as officers of the court and assist in the maintenance
of decorum, the protection of life, and the preservation of property during any judicial proceeding. When called upon, provide protection for elected officials at public functions and at any other time or place when directed to do so by a superior officer. Establish direct personal contact and maintain close liaison with all agencies, or branches thereof, concerned with the investigation and suppression of criminal activities. These contacts are not to be limited to the state but shall be nationwide. Every effort will be exerted to maintain a full and free flow of information on active offenders and offenses between all interested agencies. Texas Rangers participate in educational training programs and provide specialized instruction to local, state, and federal law
Dear Fire Fighter, I’m so glad brave people like you were put on earth. Thank you for always being there to put out danger. Sincerely, Karyn Williams Teague ISD Dear Fairfield Firefighter, I would like to thank you for the things you have done for Fairfield. Without you we would be in big danger! We need you to put out the fires if you are not here, millions of familys could get hurt, or even die. So thank you for being kind and being there for City of Fairfield. Love, Kaylee Smith Fairfield ISD Peremetics are my every day heros. Thay saved my dady from a stroke. The EMT’s wore very brave and kind to help my dad thruw the stroke. Now he is back on his feet. I never got to say thank you But now I can. Thank you for your help EMT’s Byron Teague ISD
enforcement representatives. They assist the Office of Inspector General in conducting investigations of any alleged criminal misconduct on the part of other Department personnel. Rangers are to be the primary Department investigator when a Department member is killed or suffers serious bodily injury, attributable to an intentional act. They provide Forensic Hypnotists for use as an investigative tool in gathering additional information and forensic art work for use as an investigative or procedural tool in major criminal cases. The Ranger assists the Governor’s Protective Detail in providing security for the Texas Governor during his official travel throughout the state, as well as other dignitaries. _____________________________
Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by:
Thanks for your quick action --
Saluting our First Responders! Extends a sincere
THANK YOU
to the law enforcement, fire fighters and emergency responders of Freestone County
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Keeping COOL when it counts! Special thanks to Our Everyday Heroes!
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The Officers of Fairfield ISD:
Officer Glenda Bass
Chief of Police Billy Barlow I began my career in Law enforcement in 1990 as a reserve deputy with the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office working under Captain Hugh Whitaker. I was introduced to the educational world combined with law enforcement in November of 1991, when Freestone County Sheriff J.R. Sessions sent me to Midland, Texas, to train to be a D.A.R.E. Officer. It was after that two week course that I knew I was meant to be around kids. I taught the 15 week D.A.R.E course for a number of years to Fairfield, Wortham and Dew schools. Being around teachers, administrators and students gave me a whole new respect for our educational
system. While working for Fairfield PD, then Chief Mike Falkner and Superintendent Tony Price assigned me to work at Fairfield ISD. In 2009, thanks to Fairfield ISD School board and Superintendent Dr. Katie Ryan, the Fairfield ISD Police Department was developed. I have been in law enforcement for 25 years; I have a master peace officer’s certificate; I am married to Lupe Barlow; and I have two sons and one grandson.
“We Are Fairfield,” states Glenda Bass (right), Advanced Peace Officer for 9 years - 3 years with City of Fairfield with rank of Corporal and 6 years with Fairfield ISD Police Department She is a graduate of Navarro Police Academy Glenda is married to LaCharles Bass, FISD School Board member. They have 3 children and 7 grandchildren The Bible verse she holds near her heart is Philippians 4:13, I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
Billy Barlow (left) FISD Chief of Police
Thank You Letters Dear EMTs, Thank you for helping the people in need. You have saved many lives because you get where you need to get as quick as you can. I just want to be out there with you. You guys have inspired me to be an EMT when I grow up. So thank you so much for everything. Sincerely, Audrie Smith Fairfield ISD Dear Emergency Medical Service Teams, I want to thank you for
helping my grandma! It’s amazing what you guys can do! My grandma was very sick and weak. When that happened, you guys helped her through some tough times. Thanks for your hard work and dedication for helping people like my grandma. Thank you for all your help. Sincerely, Lyndi Land Dew ISD Dear paramedics, I want to thank all paramedics, but especially my dad. Thank you for
being a part time EMT. I want to thank you because, every time we visit Teague I know you see that little boy you did CPR on. I also want to thank you for being a part time fire fighter, because sometimes you don’t get to be home. And other times you have to go to a fire in the middle of the night and you are tired when you go into work the next morning. And thank you for risking your life to save other people at fires. Sincerely, Emma Wortham ISD
Meet the Officers:
of Fairfield Police Department Serving the City of Fairfield are the proud members of Fairfield Police Department. They include (top left) Harold Markham, Sgt. David Utsey, Dispatcher Sharon Williams, Sean Frasier and Chief of Police Kenny Bulger; (middle left) Jason Tharp; (middle right) Brody Weinmann; (bottom left) Kevin Bailey, Dispatcher Angie Cochran and Albert Gallegos; (bottom middle) Sergio Palacio, Dispatcher Jeri Hunter and Kristy Lawrence; and (bottom right) Dispatcher Amber Brook.
Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by:
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Fairfield EMS Serving City & County Fairfield Ambulance Service Inc. dba Fairfield EMS has been serving the great people of Freestone County and the City of Fairfield for over 30 years. Fairfield Ambulance Service has come from and small
Teague Hospital District EMS
volunteer service to a fully paid service over the years to compensate with the ever growing demand of emergency healthcare. Fairfield EMS currently Licenses and operates three ambulances, a 2006 Ford Frazer Bilt Ambulance, 2008 Ford Frazer Bilt Ambulance and our new 2010 Dodge Frazer Bilt Ambulance. Fairfield EMS is a private non-profit ambulance service governed by a board of directors; current members are President Leslie Tate, Vice-President Lyle Red, Secretary/Treasurer Warren Awalt, Trustee Dr. John H. Keller, Trustee Dr. Brent Moore, Trustee Warren Davis, and Trustee David Fowler. Fairfield EMS daily operations are coordinated by Billy Perez (at right), EMS Director (11 years) assisted by Debbie Glass, Office Billing Manager (17 Years). Fairfield EMS has 7 full-time employees and 20 part-time employees. They staff one ambulance with two certified personnel 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This “911” ambulance is staffed with an A, B, and C shift crew working 24hr on and 48hrs off. Leading the A-Shift is Shift Supervisor Billy Perez a state certified Paramedic with 15 years of EMS experience partnered with Lee Childress a state certified Paramedic with 5 years of EMS experience. Leading B-Shift is Shift Supervisor Andrew Baxter state certified Paramedic with 5 years of EMS experience partnered with Bret Carroll Registered Nurse / state licensed Paramedic with 14 years of EMS experience. Leading C-Shift is Shift Supervisor Chris Wirtz state certified Paramedic with 15 years of EMS experience partnered with Jeff Price state certified EMT-Lic Paramedic with 8 years of EMS experience.
Founded in 1985, Air Evac Lifeteam is the largest independently owned and operated membership-supported air medical service in the United States. Their mission is to save lives and positively impact outcomes during life- or limb-threatening medical emergencies by providing rapid access to definitive emergency health care for people in rural America. Air Evac EMS, Inc., which operates Air Evac Lifeteam, has established itself as the leading provider of air ambulance services in rural America. Air Evac Lifeteam operates over 114 bases in the states of: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and West Virginia, attracting more than 1 million members in support of its presence in their local communities. Air Evac Lifeteam 53 operates out of Fairfield, Texas. _______________________
The attitude and conduct of Teague Hospital District personnel reflects a sincere dedication to serving humanity. THD-EMS offers primary 9-1-1 emergency service, as well as non-emergency transfers, to approximately 100 square miles of Freestone County. The service also provides mutual aid to Fairfield and Mexia EMS, extending our secondary coverage area to the rest of Freestone and north-west Limestone County. They closely interact with numerous local agencies on a majority of our calls. Teague Vol. Fire Dept., Teague Police Dept., Donie Vol. Fire Dept., and Freestone Sheriff’s Office aid us greatly with call location and rescue operations. They attempt to keep a positive working relationship with all of these departments and their personnel. THD-EMS averages approximately 600-700 calls per year. These calls vary from medical, trauma, transfers, and other emergency standbys. They operate with three full-time crews on 24-48 hour rotations. PRN (part-time) employees are carried for special events, holidays, transfers, and fill-ins for 9-1-1 coverage. THD-EMS and our personnel strive to better ourselves in education and skills by researching and obtaining training in the latest advancements of emergency medicine. _________________________________________
They also staff a second ambulance with two oncall certified personnel 24 hours a day 7 days a week, as needed. The on-call crew is to assist in providing ambulance services for transfers out our local hospital and “911” services. On occasions they staff three ambulances to assist in operations as needed, by providing ambulance coverage for local football games, rodeos, and other various events. Billy Perez, Director of Fairfield EMS, “Since I started working for Fairfield EMS in 1999, I have always been in awe of the advanced training and equipment this EMS service has provided to its employees and community. Just one of the reasons I have been here for so long. Healthcare is a challenging and sometimes difficult business to be in, but with a board of directors and community that appreciates the service we provide no one can help but want to be a part of it. I am proud of this service and love serving the people of Freestone County. “ ________________________________________________
Air Evac Lifeteam Based in Fairfield, Texas
Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by:
Y C N E G R E M E N WHEN A S E O R E H L A C HAPPENS, LO L L A C E H T R E W ANS
Thanking Our Everyday Heroes!
My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place - police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces Thank you for your service!
GRACELAND
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214-803-1891
Linda Grant
(between Well’s Fargo & Mack’s TV)
Freestone County Judge
513 E. Commerce, Fairfield
Keep an ACE up your sleeve
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EVERYDAY HEROES MONTH PROCLAMATION
WHEREAS, Freestone County and municipalities within the County value the services of our Law Enforcement, Volunteer Fire Departments, and Emergency Responders, and WHEREAS, the month of May has been set aside, by day and/or by month, to recognize each entity, and WHEREAS, these individuals stand ready to put their lives on the line for the Citizens of Freestone County and municipalities within, and
Thank you Fairfield PD, for protectng and serving our community
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866-560-2245 903-389-6222 104 South Keechi St., Fairfield
WHEREAS, these individuals are committed to our communities, neighborhoods, and families, and WHEREAS, our law enforcement ensures public safety and enforces the laws of the land, and WHEREAS, our firefighters are volunteers who are willing and faithful to provide courageous service without monetary compensation, and WHEREAS, our Emergency Responders stand ready to provide lifesaving care and medical transport to those in need 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and WHEREAS, each entity spends hours in training and learning to serve our citizens, and Whereas, it is important that all citizens recognize and honor the services provided by these brave and dedicated individuals. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Linda K. Grant, Freestone County Judge; Roy W. Hill, Fairfield Mayor; Earnest G. Pack, Teague Mayor; Rodney Price, Wortham Mayor; and Johnny A. Robinson, Streetman Mayor do hereby proclaim the month of May to be Everyday Heroes Month and urge all citizens to take time to thank an Everyday Hero. Dated the 24th Day of April 2015. Signed: Linda K. Grant - Freestone County Judge; Roy W. Hill - Fairfield Mayor; Earnest G. Pack - Teague Mayor; Rodney Price - Wortham Mayor; and Johnny A. Robinson - Streetman Mayor
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Roll Call:
Volunteer Fire Fighters Serve Freestone County Freestone County, Texas is blessed with nine Volunteer Fire Departments in various cities and communities. While some of these brave men and women receive a salary, most are volunteers who donate their time and their talents to protecting friends and neighbors. They go through many hours of training and answer the call, day and night. We salute this dedicated group, and thank them for their service. Fairfield VFD includes Fire Chief Bill Brown, Asst. Chief Matt Foree, Captain Jeff Price, Lieutenant Ashley Cannon, Safety Officer Mike Burns and Secretary/Treasurer Rich Schaufert. Teague VFD is comprised of Fire Chief Jody Bodine, Asst. Chief Bryan Teer, Captain 1 Matt Robinson, Captain 2 Keith Missildine, Lieutenant 1 Greg Johnson, Lieutenant 2 Ty Scruggs, Safety Matt Gillet, Secretary Shane Reves, Melvin Mims, Shannon Sims, Wade Kaminski, Justin Romine, Mitch Buck, Blake Ryan, Dennis Cox, Cory Jones, Dennis Martin, James Davis, Chris Davis, Dickie Moore, Brandin Smith, Tim Hedrick, Keith Cordova, Ken Aclin, Travis Martin, Steven Smith, Jaylyn Dunn and the late Robert Knight (retired). Wortham VFD roster lists Fire Chief Rickey Ridge, Asst. Chief Kelly Craig, Paramedic / Secretary-Treasurer Melissa Perez, Captain / Training Officer J.R. McLelland, Lieutenant / Maintenance Officer Carl McKinney, Lieutenant Sutton Jones, Captain Sam Wright, Captain / Chaplain Dan Harrington, Waylon Gierisch, A.J. Sandlin, Tony Shivers, Dylan Tidwell, Chris Perez, Rodney Price, Amber McCullough, Witty Busby and Xavier Brackens. Probationary firefighters include Clinton Graham, Taylor
Ballard, Corey Price, Rhonda Craig and Whitney Craig. Dew VFD members are Fire Chief Monte Atchley, Asst. Chief Carl Clark, Jeff Collier, Tammy Atchley, Jordon Atchley, Kealy Clark, Eric Simpson, John Blackwell, Jordon Witcher, Juan Franco, Landon Lancaster, Rudy Olivarez, Kyle Williams, Lane Scruggs, Mark Morgan, Evan Simpson, Audry Wattles, Fred Olivarez, John Lester, Devin Coker, Byron Seals, Jerry Coker, Dylan Clark and Jeremiah Simpson. Streetman VFD includes Fire Chief Brian Davis, Asst. Chief Matthew Marfell, Captain Bret Carroll, Secretary / Treasurer Heather Marfell, Robert Cockerell, Joshua Marfell, Heather Davis, Kevin Davis and probationary fighters: Samantha Alexander and Admin. Asst. Britteny Pendergrass. Donie VFD consists of Fire Chief Jay Huffman, Asst. Chief Jr. Vasquez, Captain Brian Solley, Captain James Solley, Lieutenant Joyce Gonzales, Chaplain John Goodwin, Secretary Rene Huffman, Broch Solley, Lane Solley, Ryan Solley and Matt Gonzales. Southern Oaks VFD includes Fire Chief Lee Largent; Admin. Personnel: Dudley Bumpass, Terry Bumpass, Royce English, Margie Freer, Betsy Metcalf, Rev. Thomas Q. Robbins, Cheryl Wangrin and Bob Wilson; Firefighters: Hank Ander, Sue Ander, Tom Blake, Bill Dorzd, Brad Emsley, Ed Fleming, Charles Freer, Jeff Grace, Zach Henery, Avery Hughes, Merle Hughes, Pat Markham, Pat Metcalf, Tom Rozell, Lonnie Strebeck, Jane Suggs, Patsy Wagnon and Van Wagnon. Butler VFD leadership includes Fire Chief Bruce Crawford and Asst. Chief Hollis Daniel. Names were not available at press time for Kirvin VFD.
Surveying the damage to a house fire (above) is a member of Fairfield VFD. The Wortham VFD crew (below right) complete Extrication Training. Manning the hose in yet another housed fire is Rich Schaufert (middle) of Fairfield VFD. Our volunter fire departments raise money for equipment by hosting fundraising events such as the annual Fish Fry at Southern Oaks VFD (top left) and Chili Supper at Teague VFD (bottom left). Streetman VFD welcomes the community each July 4th for a Lawnmower Parade (bottom middler).
Fairfield Volunteer Fire Dept. by Rich Schaufert - Secretary The department is an all-volunteer organization established to provide fire and first responder emergency services for the City of Fairfield and approximately 18 square miles surrounding Fairfield. The department is housed in a station located at 221 South Keechi in Fairfield that is provided by the City of Fairfield and currently has seven apparatus consisting of a heavy rescue, two engines, a Quint (Engine and Ladder), two brush trucks and a reserve combination brush truck tanker. But Fairfield Volunteer Fire department is so much more than buildings and equipment. It is a family of diverse individuals who respond at a moment’s notice to your emergency. This could be a structure fire but frequently the call is for a vehicle accident or a brush fire or downed power lines or washed out bridge or injury. Sometimes calls are unique. We once responded to a semi-truck loaded with bees that was stalled. Without air flowing the bees became overheated and agitated. Our challenge, spray the bee’s with water enough to cool them but not enough to damage or further irritate them. You just can’t train for that. We currently have a roster of 14, consisting of a Chief, Assistant Chief, Captain, Safety Officer, Secretary and nine additional Firefighters. Each member must be qualified to operate each apparatus. Since we can’t predict the time of a call the assortment of firefighters responding this requires each member to be cross trained. We recently started a Reserve/Auxiliary to support the department in non-response duties which will enable us to provide even better service. We are always seeking additional members as both Firefighters and Reserves. If you want to know more stop at the firehouse, ask any member or call me at my office 903-480-4148. __________________________________________
Our Everyday HEROES sponsored by:
Honoring the servicemen and women of Freestone County
Our Everyday Heroes Month
We honor the bravery, dedication, and selflessness of Freestone County’s First Responders. Thank you for all that you do to save lives and keep our community safe!
Trend Gathering & Treating, L.L.C. Donie, Texas
Higher standards of care everyday
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