Salute 2021

S A publication of the Fredericksburg Standard

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Appreciation for Daily Sacrifice of First Responders One man took it upon himself to let police departments know they were appreciated in light of last year’s unrest. This man contacted one police department in every county in every state “to let you know there are people like myself who respect their law enforcement and appreciate all the work you fine folks do.”

In this section, we also extend that gratitude and appreciation for what our law enforcement officers, emergency responders and fire departments do for our residents each and every day here in Gillespie County. Their jobs demand sacrifice – both on and off the clock – and they are called to action day and night.

He said he hoped his simple voicemail recording would lift the spirits of departmental teams.

These public servants also are our neighbors, our fellow church parishioners, our fellow parents of children in our local schools. Yet, while we comfortably go about our daily activities, their time is frequently interrupted with fire calls, wrecks and situations that can put their personal safety at risk.

It was a simple act, but one that reverberated in a world where too often all law enforcement is cast with questionable actions of a minute few.

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Every person in this special section has made many of those sacrifices, while we sleep comfortably at night and take our daily safety for granted.

We attempt to get photos of each and every person serving so people can make a personal connection and perhaps thank them when they see them on the street. Those who are not volunteers are working hard for sometimes-meager earnings, all while dealing with their own challenges of raising and supporting their families.

their support in this section (and those who do so in so many other ways).

We ask that everyone reading this patronize the advertisers who supported this section and showed

Ken Estin Cooke Publisher/Editor

To those who answer that call when the emergency beeper or siren is sounded, know that your dedication, your sacrifice and your professionalism to your calling does not go unnoticed and your service is appreciated in so many ways.

All first responders do noble work, and all deserve our respect and appreciation.

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After a year when law enforcement was scrutinized by the public eye, Fredericksburg Police Department Chief Steven Wetz said the continued labor shortage is also affecting law enforcement.

“The shortage has created delayed response times and overtime cost,” Wetz said.

“Labor shortages in the law enforcement sector are strained due to the lack of people willing to put themselves into an environment where they are often criticized.”

Law Enforcement Reaches Out for Community Support Wetz agreed the police department is lucky since the community has overall been respectful and supportive throughout the years.

Wetz said due to retention issues, it seems like the FPD always has positions to fill.

“Citizens from Fredericks-burg have always been very supportive of law enforcement,” Wetz said.

“Cost of living and Compensation comparisons with other communities make it hard to retain officers in Fredericksburg,” Wetz said.

Gillespie County Sheriff Buddy Mills also said with the cost to live in Fredericksburg, many applicants for open positions at the sheriff’s office cannot afford to live here.

“It puts a burden on the other employees of the sheriff’s office, because someone needs to be able to fill in that shift,” Mills said.

“We have to have a certain number of positions, especially in the jail, to cover the shifts per state law.”

The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office, as of Friday, is hiring several positions for the jail and patrol.

Mills said being understaffed overworks the officers that are

Mills added that since it’s a smaller community, many of the people his officers deal with are their friends, neighbors and acquaintances.

He said this strengthens the relationship between the peace officers and citizens.

Fredericksburg Police Chief Steven Wetz, left, and Gillespie County Sheriff Buddy Mills work together to keep communication between the two agencies consistent. — Standard-Radio Post File Photo

working, and even leads to burnout in some cases.

“Unfortunately, it’ll just burn them out,” Mills said.

“Burnout in law enforcement is a big issue to where people, their bodies, their minds, and their families, they just can’t take it anymore.”

Mills said without community support, this burnout would hit his officers harder, so that’s why he is thankful for the Gillespie County community.

“We have fantastic support here,” Mills said. “Our sheriff’s office has been well-received, well-respected and well-liked for years and years and years … as far back as I can remember.”

“The sheriff works for the citizens of the community,” Mills said.

Wetz emphasized the importance for the police department to work with other law enforcement agencies in the area in addition to the citizens.

“It is very important in law enforcement to network with other law enforcement agencies,” Wetz said.

The Law Enforcement Center, at 1601 East Main Street, houses even more departments than the sheriff’s office and police department.

2021Salute Articles 2 Appreciation for Daily Sacrifice of First Responders

14 Crime Stoppers Supports Local Law Enforcement

20 National Night Out October 8th

28 Harper Volunteer Fire Department

4 Law Enforcement Reaches Out for Community Support

16 Preparing for the Worst

22 Police Create Relationship, Educate Public Through Special Programs

29 Tierra Linda Volunteer Fire Department

8 A Whirlwind of a Start 10 Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

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18 Fredericksburg Police 20 100 Club Provides Support for Law Enforcement, Families

24 Fredericksburg Fire EMS

30 Willow City Volunteer Fire Department

24 Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department

31 Doss Volunteer Fire Department

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“The only difference between us is the badge and our uniform,” Mills said. “But we’re all police officers.”

Mills said he wants the local law enforcement to be as proactive as possible.

Even though Mills said it’s nice to be so close to their departments, all of their manpower combined won’t be able to do their jobs without the support of their community.

“We don’t want to become so bogged down that all we can do is react to calls,” Mills said. “We want to try to prevent criminal activity ahead of time. And in order to do that, we just have to have the resources to do it which are people, employees.”

“Citizens can be more involved by calling in crimes when they see them and participating as jurors when called upon,” Wetz said.

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A Whirlwind of a Start Emergency management coordinator talks first six months.

By Samuel Sutton

Standard-Radio Post reporter

It’s only been just over six months, but Fredericksburg and Gillespie County’s new Emergency Management Coordinator has already attained an immense amount of experience.

From continuing to work through the COVID-19 pandemic and helping keep the community safe during an unprecedented February winter storm, Justin Calhoun has quickly learned how to protect the people he serves.

In just over six months, city and county Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Calhoun has learned a lot by ensuring safety during Winter Storm Uri and COVID-19. — StandardRadio Post/Samuel Sutton

Talking about his duties during the storm, Calhoun said he worked with Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell and EMS Director David Jung to make welfare checks and he worked with Central Texas Electric Cooperative and city departments to ensure utilities stayed on.

“It was definitely hectic and there was a lot going on initially,” he said.

“We eventually got a routine on dealing with the situation each day.

It did get better.”

Calhoun added his team is still working on recovery from the storm.

“Krista, from finance, and the county finance department are still working with (Federal Emergency

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Management Agency) to recover some funds during that time,” he said. “We worked really hard on it for probably a month to a month-and-ahalf, and afterwards, I wouldn’t say every day, but a lot of time spent on that.”

The team worked on an After-Action Report, which was published in the April 28 edition of the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post, showing their performance, what they learned and what they’re working on to be better moving forward.

“We’re working on making some adjustments to the Emergency Operations Plan and the annexes that go with that, and we’re also looking at some things that can be fixed in the budget process,” Calhoun said. “The city and the county are in the budget process right now, so we’re working on some of those items to improve our response moving forward.”

While it was scary at times, Calhoun said his team is fortunate to have learned the lessons they did in such a short time.

“With me being new, I got to meet a whole lot of people in a very short time and that’s going to help us moving forward, now that I’ve made those connections,” he said.

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COVID-19 The COVID-19 situation has begun to uptick locally, as Hill Country Memorial Hospital reported a 14% positivity rate on Tuesday, July 13. Calhoun said his team is still monitoring the situation.

“We’re still monitoring with those other variants out there, just making sure we don’t have any big spikes or anything,” he said.

Over the past year, residents have been voicing their displeasure about the City of Fredericksburg and Gillespie County still being in a State of Disaster. Calhoun explained why this is.

“Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has continued to extend the statewide

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disaster declaration and, locally, we’ve done that,” he said. “The city and county have taken a unified approach on COVID throughout the whole pandemic and we just think it’s important.”

“It’s going to have to settle down a lot in general,” he said “The disaster declaration has no effect on anyone right now. It just gives us the option to reach out for those state and federal resources.”

• ValueMed, 707 N. Llano Street – Taking appointments and walk-ins after lunch, from 1-5:30 p.m.

They prefer people come in groups to avoid waste. Offering Moderna for free.

Keeping this disaster declaration allows the city and county to receive state resources in a timely fashion if the situation were to worsen, Calhoun said.

Testing is still being offered locally and, should someone need a test, they can call or text 830-383-4965.

• Walgreens, 704 S. Adams Street – Taking appointments and walkins from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. They recommend calling first. Offering Pfizer for free.

“At this time, talking with the judge and the mayor, it’s best just to leave it as is,” he said.

The city, county and Emergency Management continue to review the situation, but no timeline is set on the disaster declaration ending at this time.

Hill Country Memorial finished their vaccine campaign in June.

Vaccines are now being distributed at local pharmacies. Where to find a vaccine is included here: • H-E-B, 407 S. Adams Street – Taking appointments and walk-ins from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Offering the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine for free.

• Walmart, 1435 E. Main Street – Taking appointments and walk-ins Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Offering Moderna for free.

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Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

Buddy Mills Sheriff

Sgt. James Ahrens

Travis Burrer, Jr.

Joe Folse

Susan Keller

CID Investigator

Assistant Jail Administrator

Evidence Technician

Lt. Brian Pehl

Lt. John Robinson

Patti Sandstedt

James Segner Chief Deputy

Jail Receptionist

Bobby Blumrich

Adam Boyd

Sgt. Justin Cole

Dustin DeGraw

Field Operations Division

Deputy

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Jail Administrator

Deputy

Records Clerk

Deputy

Deputy

Brenda Miller

Administrative Assistant

LEC Receptionist

Linda Wise

John Austin

Ryan Drexler

Larry Drozd

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

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Furex

K9 Deputy

Gary Gibbs Deputy

John Halstead

Sgt. Joe Hindman

Sgt. Sterling Hood

Sgt. Wayne Hudson

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Kevin Kalbacher

James Kruse

Chad Loth

Hunter McIntosh

Brad McNair

Todd Metzger

Sgt. Nick Moellering

Karl Myers

Dustin Simmons

Michael Simon

Melissa Arredondo

Francisco Avila

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Deputy

Jailer

Deputy

Jailer

Salute Magazine

A product of Fredericksburg Publishing Company.

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Publisher/Editor: Ken Esten Cooke

Design Editor Mike Skinner

Articles Joe Southern Madalyn Watson Samuel Sutton Sherrie Geistweidt

Advertising Director Kim Jung

Fredericksburg Publishing Co. 712 W. Main St., | P.O. Box 1639 Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone 830-997-2155

Account Executives Kim Jung, Cindy G. Burdorf, Ann Duecker

© 2021. Salute Magazine is published by the Fredericksburg Publishing Company.

No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means including electronic retrieval systems, without permission of the publisher. Editorial content does not reflect the opinions of the publisher. Editorial and advertising does not constitute advice or endorsement, but is considered informative.

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Tim Bryant

Cpl. Lori Flemma

Cpl. Ricky Franco

Lillian Gehrlein

Kevin Gold

James Hurlbut

Christopher Klaehn

Terale Mays

Cpl. Sarah Neans

Cpl. Elizabeth Nielsen

Jeremiah Parker

Jason Porter

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

Jailer

NOT SHOWN: Dominic Langford Trooper

Christopher Wood Jailer

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Sharadyn Andrews DPS Trooper

Mike Bacon DPS Trooper

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David Vaughan DPS Trouper

Dustin Fleming Game Warden

Tommy Johnson Game Warden

Ken Moore Constable Precinct 1

Kenny Bode Constable Precinct 2

Hilario Villa Constable Precinct 3

NOT SHOWN: Rick Carter Jailer

Ashton Samford Jailer

Austin Schneider Jailer

Clarissa Rangel Jailer

Marshall Akin Constable Precinct 4

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J.D.Hickman

Justice of the Peace Precinct 1

Catherine Kuhlmann Justice of the Peace Precinct 2

Linda Meier-McCann Justice of the Peace Precinct 3

Carl Schoessow

Justice of the Peace Precinct 4

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Crime Stoppers Supports Local Law Enforcement Gillespie County Crime Stoppers is working to aid area law enforcement in investigations.

Law enforcement coordinator Joe Folse said programs like Crime Stoppers started out receiving tips by phone call. But today, he said, the two other ways to report anonymous tips are more accessible.

“A tip that somebody submits to Crime Stoppers is anonymous, which is the whole point of the program,” Folse said.

Community members can still report information via phone at 830-997-8477, but more often than not, tips are reported via the internet.

In addition to a phone number, the app, P3 Tips, allows tips to be submitted anonymously. The app has no limitations in length and will also allow images, video and documents to be uploaded.

The Gillespie County Crime Stoppers website is dedicated specifically to reporting information.

“That’s the most common way people tip because all they have to do is use their phone browser,” Folse said.

The site can be found at www. gillespiecountycrimestoppers.com.

The website can also guide tippers to the alternative options — the app and phone number — if necessary.

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Gillespie County Crime Stoppers board of directors: front row, from left, Steve Watson, president; Jacob Smith, vice president; Gina Koennecke, treasurer; Heather Mallinckrodt, secretary; back row, directors Adam Hahn, Ralph Bartel, Michael Jumes, Jacob Grant, Marcus Vidrine, Debbie Campbell, Aaron Cox and Steve Olfers. — Submitted photo

Using whichever method, once a tip is submitted, the user will be given a TIP ID and password.

With this information, the tipster can log on to p3tips.com and submit follow-up information, engage in real-time chat and be informed of the outcome of the tip as well as access any relevant reward information.

Folse said the Gillespie County Crime Stoppers is using their Facebook page to inform the public and ask for any relevant tips.

2021 Crime Stoppers Board Members • Steve Watson, chairman; • Jacob Smith, vice chairman; • Heather Mallinckrodt, secretary; • Gina Koennecke, treasurer; • Marcus Vidrine, director; • Jacob Grant, director; • Steve Olfers, director; • Ralph Bartel, director; • Adam Hahn, director; • Debbie Campbell, director; • Aaron Cox, director; • Michael Jumes, director.

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Preparing for the Worst First responders get emergency management training.

By Samuel Sutton

Standard-Radio Post reporter

In an effort to better prepare for future emergencies, first responders from Gillespie County and other areas throughout the state of Texas gathered for a three-and-a-half-day training class.

Members of Gillespie County Emergency Management, Fredericksburg Fire EMS, as well as from Bryan-College Station, Georgetown, Stephenville, New Braunfels, Mount Pleasant, Houston, San Antonio, Kyle, Coppell, Austin, Anson and Bastrop, along with U.S. Coast Guard members and Phillips 66 responders participated in the NIMS (National Incident Management System) ICS (Incident Command System) All-Hazards Resources and Demobilization Unit Leaders Course during the week of July 12-17.

The class took place at the new Texas A&M Gillespie County AgriLife Extension building. It was sponsored by the Texas A&M Forest Service.

Paul Hannemann, president of the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department, helped bring the class

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to Gillespie County. The class is sponsored by the Texas A&M Forest Service.

“Paul, who’s done this forever, helped pull it all together to be taught here,” Fredericksburg Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell said.

Bizzell added it was a great way to not only learn new information, but also to network other departments and agencies across the state.

The goal of the course is to provide federal, state and locallevel emergency responders with an overview of key duties and responsibilities of a Resource Unit Leader and a Demobilization Unit Leader in a Type 3 All Hazards Incident Management Team.

It’s taught by Michael Hemby, retired Travis County deputy; Michael McElwain, retired Department of State Health Services, and Hannemann, retired Texas A&M Forest Service.

All three instructors are part of the state’s All Hazard Incident Management Team. Each of the instructors has experience in covering situations like Hurricanes Katrina, Ike and Harvey, along with

Members of Gillespie County Emergency Management, Fredericksburg Fire EMS, as well as from Bryan-College Station, Georgetown, Stephenville, New Braunfels, Mount Pleasant, Houston, San Antonio, Kyle, Coppell, Austin, Anson and Bastrop, along with U.S. Coast Guard members and Phillips 66 responders listen in as Michael McElwain and Michael Hemby teach the NIMS (National Incident Management System) ICS (Incident Command System) All-Hazards Resources and Demobilization Unit Leaders Course on Thursday, July 15. — Standard-Radio Post/Samuel Sutton

the Columbia Shuttle Disaster and the West Fertilizer Plant Explosion.

“A lot of great experience was shared with us,” Bizzell said. “We’ve learned the Do’s and Don’ts that they’ve seen in different events.”

“We’re having a lot of crosstalk with other agencies and jurisdictions,” Hannemann said.

“If they need help, they now know we have people who are qualified to help.”

This is also a federal course, which Bizzell said will allow them to send first responders to other agencies if they need help during a major event.

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Fredericksburg Police

Police Chief

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

Leian Peterson

Lt. Braxton Roemer

Danielle Woolverton

Lindsay Fisk

Yvonne Gerhardt

Mickey Moellering Animal Control

Criminal Investigation Division

Criminal Investigation Division

Lt. Terry Weed

Christopher Ayala

Chris Conley

Ethan Evans

Seth Grayson

Steve Wetz

Administrative Assistant

Sgt. Javier Sanchez

Criminal Investigation Division

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Yvonne Alberthal

Animal Control

Criminal Investigation Division

Animal Control

Special Services

Derek Seelig

Training Coordinator

Sherry Locklear

Lt. Brian Vorauer Patrol Lieutenant

Det. Wesley Rheinhardt

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Brandyn Griffin

Haley McClaran

Pablo Martinez

Victor Martinez

Sgt. Mick McMickle

Chance Mohr

Jonathan Prado

Sgt. Shane Purvis

Thomas Rivera

Evan Schmidt

Preston Schmidt

Sgt. Trey Schnelle

NOT SHOWN: Tim Bobo Ben Bosse Felix Castaneda Erik Hinterlach Kris Kammlah Chad Lovelady Bryan Phillips Dustin Schuetz

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Luke Smith

Chris Torres

James Wayman

Reagan Rabke

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100 Club Provides Support for Law Enforcement, Families Among things the 100 Club has done is update the police firing range by providing mobile targets.

They also built a mobile barbecue pit for them.

There are no more ardent supporters of local law enforcement than the members of the 100 Club.

The club is so-named because its members donate $100 a year (or $1,000 for life) in support of law enforcement officers and their families.

“Our purpose is to assist the families of law enforcement officers injured or killed in the line of duty and to provide training … and equipment,” said Precinct 1 Constable Ken Moore, who serves as president of the Gillespie County chapter.

The 100 Club is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is

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“to raise the level of Gillespie County support for peace officers who have pledged to protect us.”

That includes Fredericksburg Police Department, Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office, game warden officers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, Gillespie County constables and the Texas

and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association’s Special Ranger.

“All around, you hear the cry to defund the police, but here in our community, we feel overwhelming support from the citizens,” Moore said. “Law enforcement has benefited from great support from this community.”

Every year, the club hosts a free banquet for all officers, spouses and club members. At the banquet, the names of the officers attending are placed into a bowl. Of those, 24-30 are drawn to win a free weapon (recorded and run through Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms).

At the banquet, they also conduct a business meeting to appoint leadership for the year, and honor law enforcement members with service awards.

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National Night Out October 8th The club holds board meetings every two months, and the general membership meeting is held annually during the spring banquet.

Gillespie County is staying committed to crime and drug prevention as the annual National Night Out will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, 2021.

Those interested in hosting an event are encouraged to contact the Fredericksburg Police Department at 830-997-7585, so law enforcement, fire fighters and EMS representatives can stop by.

The 100 Club is always accepting new members. Dues are $100 a year or $1,000 for a life membership. The club includes 142 members, 123 life members and 21 business members.

National Night Out is an event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office is a co-sponsor, alongside the Fredericksburg Police Department and the fire and emergency services departments.

More information can be found at the National Night Out webpage at natw.org.

The mailing address for the organization is 100 Club of Gillespie County, P.O. Box 2951, Fredericksburg, TX 78624.

National Night Out is an event held to forge better partnerships between law enforcement and citizens in the community, help neighbors work together to make their neighborhoods safer and raise awareness on crime prevention.

To find the organization on Facebook, type in the keywords “100 Club of Gillespie County.”

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Other information on celebrations planned throughout the county will be announced in the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post as the events draw near.

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Police Create Relationship, Educate Public Through Special Programs Under the direction of the Fredericksburg Police Department, law enforcement fosters a relationship with private citizens through several different outreach programs.

The Citizens Police Academy gives residents the chance to learn more about law enforcement and the challenges the officers face.

Graduates of the course can choose to join the Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support (FVPS) which performs specific duties in the community.

Citizens Police Academy Since the COVID-19 pandemic canceled plans for the academy last year, the Citizens Police Academy is taking applications for the next class.

The date for the Citizens Police Academy is yet to be announced. The department is giving more time for citizens to apply since they missed the opportunity last year.

“The academy is an opportunity for people in our community to learn about us and what we do,” said Lt. Braxton Roemer of the Special Services division of the Fredericksburg Police Department and FVPS liaison.

Roemer explained as a police department, a connection and understanding with the people they serve and protect is very important.

“As a police department, we want to connect with our public.

We want to have a relationship with the public,” Roemer said.

“We serve the public so anything that we can do to foster that

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Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support

relationship, anything that we can do to educate, that’s what we’re trying to do with the citizens police academy.”

“We have a volunteer program (FVPS), a nonprofit organization that is linked to the police department,” Roemer said.

Anyone 18 years of age or older is eligible to take part, and city and county residents are encouraged to participate.

Graduates of the Citizens Police Academy are encouraged, but not required, to join the Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support (FVPS).

Applications are available at the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center at 1601 East Main Street or online at www.fbgtx.org.

With coronavirus last year, Roemer said, many of the activities and causes the FVPS was involved in were canceled.

Roemer stressed that interested individuals can apply at any time, and applications are kept on file and the applicant contacted when a class is forming.

A records check will be performed and, if accepted, the applicant will complete the training course.

Classes meet once a week for eight weeks.

There is to cost to attend other than one’s time, and mandatory attendance is not required.

“We just take our department, we break it down into different classes, and we’re talking about almost everything that we do,” Roemer said.

The eight-week schedule covers a variety of topics, including department organization, tour of the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center, dispatch, jail, patrol division, school-based policing, taser/less lethal/firearms, criminal/juvenile investigations, narcotic/special investigations, a scenario day, special services and the FVPS. “When people finish the Citizens Police Academy, they will have a pretty good idea of how

Volunteers assist with several aspects of the Police Department’s tasks.

Recently retired Fredericksburg Police Department officer Clem Castillo delivers toys and meals for Toys for Tots and Blue Santa. — Standard-Radio Post/ Madalyn Watson

“If you’ve ever been to any of the parades or anything, and you’ve seen the light blue uniforms, those are our volunteers,” Roemer said.

the police department functions,” Roemer said. “Then, it gives them an opportunity to ask any questions they might have.”

In addition, they patrol the downtown area to help deter shoplifting, handle clerical work, participate in training and emergency exercise drills.

Through the course of the program, participants will have the opportunity to meet many of the department members.

The program culminates with graduation as part of the final week.

Working with Roemer with the Citizens Police Academy is Sgt. Derek Seelig, training coordinator.

After completing the course, graduates can choose to join the Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support. They are issued a uniform and other items and may then begin volunteering.

“We also have a warrant program and for people that get citations, and they don’t pay their traffic tickets,” Roemer said. “We have one of our volunteers, he looks all that stuff up, and he sends out notification letters.”

Roemer said it helps the court system as well as law enforcement.

“Volunteers actually have their own car that they can utilize and they’ll use it for any conferences that they go to that relate to volunteers, but they also use it for residence checks,” Roemer said.

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Since many families celebrate in different ways, now they receive a voucher for any food they want for the holidays, Roemer said.

“People can notify us when they go on vacation, and ask us to go check on their house.”

Volunteers are tasked with these jobs so the department is not losing officers on patrol.

Another FPD outreach program is the Police Summer Youth Program.

The program is for kids ages 7 to 14 and usually starts in June.

In addition, they offer training assistance for exercise scenarios, conduct the business identification and emergency notification data program and work with handicapped parking enforcement.

The free program includes several different events like movies, swimming days, archery and fishing lessons as well as other field trips.

They also assist the Fredericksburg Police Department with the summer youth program.

When meetings of FVPS resume, they plan to go back to their schedule of gathering on the second Thursday of the month at the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center.

Dues are $10 per year and there is no meeting in December.

Board meetings begin at 6 p.m. followed by the general meeting at 6:30 p.m.

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Lt. Braxton Roemer of the Special Services division of the Fredericksburg Police Department and FVPS liaison teaches a class at the Citizens Police Academy.

Other Programs In addition to the Citizens Police Academy and the FVPS, the police department plans several other community outreach programs.

Roemer said the Blue Santa program is close to his heart.

The FPD partners with the Rotary

Club of Fredericksburg that sponsors the Toys for Tots program for families in Gillespie County.

Through Blue Santa, the department provides holiday meals for families. In the past, they provided a certificate to purchase a turkey dinner at H-E-B.

To participate, parents and children need to fill out a packet with the schedule and permission slips from Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center, 1601 East Main Street; City Hall, at 126 West Main Street, or download it from www.fbgtx.org under the police department’s link.

Roemer said the program is what is it is today thanks to the hard work of Yvonne Alberthal, Leian Peterson and Danielle Woolverton.

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Fredericksburg Fire EMS Working together to maintain the safety of the city of Fredericksburg are, from left, Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell, EMS Director David Jung, EMS Accounts Administrator Lori Seewald, Emergency Management Coordinator Justin Calhoun and Fire Marshal Reagan Rabke. — Standard-Radio Post/Samuel Sutton

A-shift of the Fredericksburg Fire EMS Department includes, from left, Driver Austin Dreyer, Jayden Sifuentes, Capt. Harvey Lansford, Jen Reid (part time), Jacob Fritz, Travis West and Capt. Lee Dreyer (C-Shift).

Not pictured is Captain Stacy Kuhlmann. — Standard-Radio Post/Samuel Sutton

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B-shift of the Fredericksburg Fire EMS Department includes, from left, Pam Terry (part time), Rebecca Gammon, Jason Leifester, Capt. Fred Feuge, Santos Guevara (part time/volunteer, captain), Aaron Kuhlmann (part time, volunteer), and Tanya Rankin (part time). Not pictured are Capt. Brian Marks, Driver Billy Moellering, Amy Burrier and Stanley DeLoof. — StandardRadio Post/Samuel Sutton

C-shift of the Fredericksburg Fire EMS Department includes, from left, Capt. Johnny Carroll, Capt. Lee Dreyer, Michael Pressler, David Klump, Catherine Kuhlmann and Jack Sanchez. Not pictured is Andrew Belcher.

— Submitted photo

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Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department

Paul Hannemann

Andrew Belcher

Justin Blue

Capt. Josh Burrier

Bruce Daley

Dan Feuge

Jason Hildebrand

Frank Hoover

David Klump

Brent Kramer

Kevin Kramer

Aaron Kuhlmann

Jimmie Langerhans

Drew Liddell

Francisco Lugo

Ryan McBee

Richard Munoz

Lt. Arthur Pressler

President, FVFD

Treasurer, FVFD

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Parker Fitzgerald

Randall Fuchs

Victor Guerrero

Capt. Santos Guevara

Katie Habecker

D.J. Herbort

Paul Pyka

Tanya Rankin

Derek Rehfield

Jack Sanchez

Dane Sanvido

Eric Scott

Frank Stead

Will Stripling

Pam Terry

Brandon Vollmar

Secretary, FVFD

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Harper Volunteer Fire Department Members of the 2021 Harper Volunteer Fire Department include, from left, Josh Treiber, Devin Box, Catherine Kuhlmann, Kimberly Long, Bill Long, Philisha Barker, Trentin Warmoth, Jimmy Greer, Grant Meyer and Doug Crenwelge. Not pictured are Terry Bernhard, Quint Bratcher, Elizabeth McMahon and Michael McMahon. — Submitted photo

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Tierra Linda Volunteer Fire Department

The 2021 members of the Tierra Linda Volunteer Fire Department include, from left, Jerry Barnard, Cliff Hirl, Ed Jackson, Charlie Orr, Heidi Hueniken, Bill Penak, Ed Whitaker, Mike Thoennes, Daniel Terrell, Libby Thoennes, Charles Hall, Greg Gibson, George Turner, Norm Wells, Gerry Migley, Adam Strauss, Ed Marker, Bob Dockey, Tom Kutscher, Bob Hayes, Laura Emmons, Ken McConnell, David Swonke, Steve Swing and Bud Kersten. — Submitted photo

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Willow City Volunteer Fire Department

The 2021 members of the Willow City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department include, front row, from left, Dennis Robertson, Myrtle Hohmann, Tamara Carroll, Sierra Carroll, K. Olenick, Margaret Holland, Millie Robertson, Hillary Rabke, Kim Lewis, Mable Wilke, Raynell Wilke, Patsy Hauptrief, Larry Hauptrief, Nancy Scott, Jeanette Gold Lopez, Frances Heimann, Janet Rabke, Pamela Rocco, L.D. Scott and Reagan Rabke; back row, Stanley Rabke, Wallace Britton, Johnny Carroll, Kevin Pickard, Robin Lewis, Jerry Walsh, James Moore, Dale Heimann, James Priess, Kenneth Priess, Hetsey Pickard, David Woodward, Mark Moore and Daniel Dreyer. Not pictured are Becky Miles, Doug Crenwelge, Justin Berry, Lee Dreyer, Austin Dreyer, Brad Gilliam, Erin Gilliam, Ken Moore, Maurice Hohmann, Margie Hohmann, Christy Jaster, Anne Moreland, David Crittell, Olivia Moore, Mark Moore, Ashleigh Dreyer, Kel Ireland, Harold Lotz, David Mead, Paul Simonette, Ross Moore, James Bosquez, Noe Truan, Tracy Heckman, Ralph Rode, Garrett Carroll, Michael Pressler, Josh Moore, Philip Grona, and other auxiliary and community members who assist the department. — Standard-Radio Post file photo

Doss Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Doss Volunteer Fire Department are making final preparations for their 37th Doss VFD Fish Fry set for Labor Day weekend, Saturday, Sept. 4. The department has 23 active members and nine reserve members, including, seated from left, Paul Baethge, Gary Brodbeck, treasurer; Kurt Geistweidt, vice president; Daniel Reeh, president; Gerald Bratton, secretary; Mark Geistweidt, chief; John Brandenberger, assistant chief; Gary Hahn, Betty Hahn; back row, Steve Wadsworth, Steve Schaefer, Joe Schaefer, Randy Busch, Travis Reeh, Brian Sattler, Brett Fraley, Tuttie Geistweidt, Wade Geistweidt and Steve Stengel. In front is Amos the Blue Heeler. Not pictured are Evan Tune, captain; Sem Geistweidt, lieutenant; Ben Arhelger, Laurie Arhelger, Colton Brandenberger, Clayton Crenwelge, Adam Geistweidt, Max Hartmann, Royce Herbort, Pat Jung, James Lange and Van Mund. The Doss VFD protects the northwestern section of Gillespie County and assists nearby departments in mutual aid calls. — Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post

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Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department

Members of the Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department include, front row from left, Kimi Hopkins, Cathy Lindig, Christa Steekelenburg, secretary; Bernice Burg, Helen Celeketic, treasurer; Fred Burg. Back row, Chism Jenschke, David Woodward, Keith Curl, captain; Kevin Curl, Greg Simms, lieutenant, first response coordinator; Nick Hopkins, Matthew Schumann, Bradley Nielsen, fire chief; Chris Nevins, Hartley Clay, Chad Ottmers, assistant fire chief; Jimmy Eckert, Ryan Schumann, Rodney Eckert, James Petsch and Richard Celeketic, president. Not pictured are Ricky Priess, vice president; Justin Duke, Louis Eckert, Tim Henke, Laurel Hoekstra, Neil Loth, Caitlin McCarthy, Brenda Matysiak, Conrad Matysiak, Erin Pomier, Neal Poulson, Eugene Schmidt, Tim Schumann, Jake Scott, LeAnne Scott, Riley Smith and Pam Terry. — Submitted photo

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