Law Enforcement Salute 2020

A tribute to the men and women who protect and serve our community

Summer 2020

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A publication of the Fredericksburg Standard

Salute LAW

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EMS

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FIRE

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DISPATCH

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Fredericksburg appreciates first responders’ sacrifice Our firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement sacrifice daily to keep communities across the nation safe.

We take it for granted that they will be there.

These days, appreciation can seem in short supply as bad national events wrongly get translated into standard operating procedure, particularly where law enforcement is concerned.

This year, with protests and riots dotting the nation’s landscape, we felt it important to show appreciation for our law enforcement, EMS and firefighters.

Their jobs always exemplify sacrifice and these public servants are our neighbors here in Gillespie County and Fredericksburg.

Those who choose to serve are called into action day and night.

Our volunteer fire crews are taken away from family dinners, friendly activities and home time when the emergency beeper goes off.

Our EMS workers may deal with having to work on friends and loved ones.

And our police face potential danger daily, which we have seen here even during seeming routine traffic stops.

This year also saw a special new effort.

Since large appreciation events are off limits for now during the coronavirus pandemic, we thank the local organizers of an appreciation “Back the Blue BBQ.” It’s a simple way to show our appreciation. (See story in this section.)

Lastly, we ask that you patronize the advertisers who participated in this section.

To our emergency responders, know that your sacrifice does not go unnoticed.

Your service is appreciated.

www.fredericksburgstandard.com

STORY INDEX Welcome.......................................... 2

4 Emergency Management................ 8 GCSO.................................... 10-14 Game Warden/Constables/DPS...14 Crime Stoppers............................. 15 Back the Blue................................ 16 FPD.......................................... 17-19 Justices of the Peace.................... 20 National Night Out....................... 20 100 Club........................................ 21 Citizen’s Police Academy.............. 22 National Night Out...................... 20 Fire/EMS............................... 24-28 VFD........................................ 27-30 Police/Sheriff...................................

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Law enforcement leads the way

Police chief, sheriff serve the community

By Samuel Sutton Standard-Radio Post reporter

In a year where law enforcement agencies have faced scrutiny, Gillespie County Sheriff Buddy Mills said he’s fortunate to see overwhelming support.

“It’s tremendous,” Mills said.

After recent police brutality incidents throughout the nation, a lot of people have voiced their opinions against law enforcement. But in Fredericksburg, that hasn’t been the case.

Residents have left gift baskets and cookies for the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office and Fredericksburg Police Department with notes of support. Mills said he’s also encountered several occasions where people have paid for his and his deputies’ meals at restaurants.

“To have that kind of support and appreciation from everybody that we work for is fantastic and we’re very fortunate,” Mills said.

Fredericksburg Police Chief Steven Wetz was also appreciative of the community support.

He feels like these acts of kindness are derived from the recent negativity voiced against law enforcement.

“Every action has a reaction,” Wetz said.

“I think people see the things that are going on and they want us to understand

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/Samuel Sutton

that they support us.”

Mills said he believes this support comes out of trust between the community and the local law enforcement agencies.

“Everyone who has been here, from the police department, to the sheriff’s department to the game wardens and everybody else, has built the trust and the understanding that while we do have a job to

Thank You for your service!

We honor the men and women who serve our community, night and day, as members of the Fredericksburg and Gillespie County Law Enforcement, EMS, Firefighters and First Responders.

do, these are the same people we see in church, the local grocery stores, the restaurants and the football games,” Mills said.

One reason why the community is so supportive, Wetz said, is because they’re well informed on local law enforcement’s mission.

“We try to put on several programs dur-

ing the year to help keep the public educated on what we’re trying to do,” Wetz said, speaking about the department’s summer youth program and its annual Citizens Police Academy.

Another way they try to keep the public informed is through social media, where they often post news releases about burglaries, vehicle crashes or other public safety incidents.

Wetz and Mills said communication is key. If someone has a problem with the police department or the sheriff’s office, they are happy to talk through the situation.

“I’ve always said, ‘Hey, call and let me know,’” Mills said. “If something is broken in this office and no one ever tells me, then I can’t fix it.”

Mills recognizes the mountain of stress officers from other agencies must be facing, not only from their communites, but their loved ones, as well.

“When you get home, if by chance you have a spouse or a loved one that is like, ‘Why in the world are you doing this?’

Mills said. “Every officer or volunteer does this job because they want to make a change.”

Wetz agreed with Mills, saying this type of career path “is a calling” for some people.

Funding Both, Mills and Wetz also provided their thoughts on reallocating funds from law enforcement to areas like mental health or crisis intervention organizations, an idea that has been discussed in cities around the nation.

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This idea concerned Mills. While he understands the importance of these organizations, he said sending a social worker on a family violence call could be dangerous if he or she can’t defend themselves.

Mills added that sheriff’s department deputies and police officers in Gillespie County are experienced in mental health situations.

“A lot of times, people will call us if they have a loved one who isn’t taking their medicine. We’ll show up and try to get them the help they need, like taking them to see their doctor,” Mills said. “We also help with social services, helping abused children get the help they need.”

Wetz believes some reallocation is needed, as some mental health organizations are severely underfunded.

“They don’t have the manpower that they need to be able to the job that they need,” Wetz said. “There are a lot of times that we’re trying to get them involved in things and they don’t have the staffing or money to deal with that problem.”

However, he said, taking money away from law enforcement isn’t the right idea,

as they are also underfunded.

“We’re lucky in Fredericksburg to get the funding and the support that we do, but a lot of larger cities don’t get that funding,” Wetz said. “The funding for training in law enforcement is very important because if we don’t have the training that we need before an event happens, then we don’t know how to handle it once we get there.”

Working together The Fredericksburg Police Department and the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office have worked together likely since the county was founded, Mills said.

“By doing that, we can stay in constant communication with each other and we save the taxpayers a tremendous amount of money because we don’t need a separate building for each office,” he explained.

Wetz also expressed the importance of constant communication.

“It’s very important that the guys on the street have the information from each other that they do have,” Wetz said. “Communication and information is the key to dealing with a lot of problems.”

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Safety from uncertainty Coordinator guides city in pandemic

By Samuel Sutton Standard-Radio Post reporter

In these unprecedented times, one of the most important people in Fredericksburg is the emergency management coordinator.

Dave Wisniewski, currently the person in this position, is working behind the scenes to keep Fredericksburg’s residents safe from COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus.

In less hectic times, the job of an emergency management coordinator is to develop training courses and plans for emergencies such as tornadoes, excessive heat, tsunamis and pandemics so that city departments can be prepared.

These plans also help the city receive grant funds if an emergency occurs.

During this pandemic, Wisniewski is tasked with doing this, along with trying to distribute COVID-19 information to local businesses and city departments, collaborate with local, state and federal governments for emergency resources and advise people who do test positive to follow a physician’s guidelines.

When Wisniewski applied for the assistant emergency management coordinator position in 2012, he was confident. He was familiar with the position’s functions, as he had used the same model while serving in the Navy.

“The way the command system functions was actually based on a system that was put together by the Coast Guard, and the military had been using it essentially for years,” Wisniewski said. “It was nothing new to me at all.”

He moved into the fire marshal position in 2016, and stayed there until his retirement in January.

John Culpepper retired from the emergency management coordinator position

Emergency Management Coordinator David Wisniewski, left, helps firefighter Ryan McBee don Personal Protective Equipment. During this pandemic, Wisniewski has been collaborating with local, state and federal governments for emergency resources. — Standard-Radio Post/ Samuel Sutton

at the same time, but had stayed on part time until May, when family matters required him to leave.

“I was asked to come back and hold it until the end of the year,” Wisniewski said. “You can’t not do something with all the craziness going on right now. You’d have to be a pretty hard-hearted individual to turn your back on the world right now.”

Even though he may have been ready for the position then, he had no way of preparing for this kind of crisis.

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined this,” Wisniewski said.

“This is uncharted territory for all of us.”

The only comparable time to this, Wisniewski said, was the 1918 Spanish influenza pandemic.

“It was very similar with one exception.

Lots and lots of people died with that,” he said. “If you caught that, you had a 50% chance of dying.”

He added that while COVID-19 has a lower mortality rate, it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Looking purely at stats, Wisniewski said, is not the right approach.

“It ain’t just a number,” he said. “It’s a human.”

Every day, Wisniewski said he focuses less on stats and more on how many people are sick, where they are concentrated

and what tomorrow will look like.

“We’ve been very fortunate here to this point with no fatalities, but no one should be under the impression that it’s not going to happen,” he said.

Lastly, Wisniewski said that while his job is important, the real heroes are the first responders who have to go on emergency calls every day.

“They have to wear Personal Protective Equipment on every one of those calls because they don’t know if someone is infected,” Wisniewski said.

At the moment, Wisniewski’s plan is to stay until the end of the year.

But, as previously mentioned, he won’t turn his back on a world in need.

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PLEASE JOIN US to benefit these officers with your voluntary membership and financial tax deductible donations.

100% of all moneys collected stays in Gillespie County to benefit officers and their families. Donations designated for club operating expenses will be appreciated.

THE 100 CLUB HAS A THREE-FOLD PURPOSE: FAMILY: To provide financial assistance to dependents of peace officers who lose their lives in the line of duty.

EQUIPMENT: To provide life-protecting EDUCATION: To provide law enforcement equipment which cannot officers with educational be secured through regular and life- preserving channels. programs.

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Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

Buddy Mills

Sgt. James Ahrens

Travis Burrer Jr.

Joe Folse

Susan Keller

Sheriff

CID Investigator

Assistant Jail Administrator

Evidence Technician

Administrative Assistant

Brenda Miiller

Lt. Brian Pehl

Lt. John Robinson

Patti Sandstedt

James Segner

LEC Receptionist

Field Operations Division

Jail Administrator

Records Clerk

Chief Deputy

Linda Wise

John Austin

Bobby Blumrich

Adam Boyd

Kevin Carter

Jail Receptionist

www.fredericksburgstandard.com

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GILLESPIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTIES

Sgt. Justin Cole

Dustin DeGraw

Ryan Drexler

Larry Drozd

K9 Furex

Gary Gibbs

John Halstead

Sgt. Joe Hindman

Sgt. Sterling Hood

Wayne Hudson

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GILLESPIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DEPUTIES AND JAILERS

Billy Hull

Kevin Kalbacher

James Kruse

Chad Loth

Hunter McIntosh

Brad McNair

Todd Metzger

Sgt. Nick Moellering

Karl Myers

Michael Simon

Dustin Simmons

Melissa Arredondo Jailer

Francisco Avila Jailer

Tim Bryant Jailer

Cpl. Lori Flemma Jailer

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To All Of You In The Law Enforcement, Fire Departments & EMS, We Appreciate Your Services

Thank You to our local Law Enforcement, Fire Departments, and First Responders for making the Fredericksburg area a safer and better place to live.

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GILLESPIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE JAILERS

Cpl. Ricky Franco

Mikayla Frederick

Lillian Gehrlein

Kevin Gold

Robert Harmer

James Hurlbut

Christopher Klaehn

Korey Kunc

Terale Mays

Chance Mohr

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GILLESPIE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE JAILERS, DPS TROOPERS, GAME WARDEN, GILLESPIE COUNTY CONSTABLES

Cpl. Sarah Neans

Cpl. Elizabeth Nielsen

Jeremiah Parker

Jason Porter

Nicholas Riley

Alex Steele

Christopher Wood

Trooper Sharadyn Andrews

Trooper Mike Bacon

Trooper David Vaughan

Dustin Fleming Game Warden

Ken Moore, Pct. 1

Kenny Bode, Pct. 2

Hilario Villa, Pct. 3

Marshall Akin, Pct. 4

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Crime Stoppers aids in fighting crimes Gillespie County Crime Stoppers is working to use the latest technology through their recent partnership with an anonymous crime reporting software.

“This P3 Intel software provides a seamless and efficient way for community members to submit information to help solve and prevent crimes or other serious or life threatening matters,” law enforcement coordinator Joe Folse said. “We are hoping to get more tips about crimes being committed in the community, and this is a simple easy way to submit a tip.”

The app, P3 Tips, is an app that allows tips to be submitted anonymously. The app has no limitations in length and will also allow images, video and documents to be uploaded.

“This software is very versatile and has many tools that we are still learning about,” said Steve Watson, chairman of the Gillespie County Crime Stoppers Board.

“We are hopeful that everyone in the community will download and use this app which is available for free for both iOS and Android users,” Folse said.

Folse also said that the software’s encryption process obscures any and all identifying information and provides assured anonymity for tipsters.

In addition to the app, the Gillespie County Crime Stoppers website is dedicated specifically to reporting infor-

mation.

The site can be found at www.gillespiecountycrimestoppers.com. Community members can also still report information via phone at 830-997-8477.

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 in to p3tips. com and submit follow-up information, engage in realtime chat and be informed of the outcome of the tip as well as access any relevant reward information.

“We feel that through utilizing the P3 Tips program, we will enhance communication with the public, thereby building a safer community,” Folse said.

The Gillespie County Crime Stoppers Board currently has two open vacancies. For more information on the vacancies or to apply, contact Folse at 830-997-7585.

2020 Crime Stoppers Board Members • Steve Watson, chairman; • Jacob Smith, vice chairman; • Gina Koennecke, treasurer; • Marcus Vidrine, director.

• Steve Olfers, director;

• Ralph Bartel, director; • Tony Klein, director; • Michael Monahan, director; • Debbie Campbell, director; • Jacob Grant, director.

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Community barbecue ‘Backs the Blue’ An idea to get the community involved in supporting local law enforcement has become a reality.

Gillespie County law enforcement personnel and their families were the guests of honor at a Back the Blue BBQ dinner hosted by Backwoods BBQ. The barbecue was organized by Trey Block, Dan Garrison and Brandon Vinyard as a way for the people of Gillespie County

to show gratitude for members of law enforcement.

“It blows my mind that just one month ago we all sat down at Tabac Haus, and after hearing Trey’s idea, launched this grassroots initiative to show local law enforcement that the community they serve has their back,” said Vinyard, who managed the fundraiser.

“I didn’t know Trey before this, and I

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never skip an opportunity to work with Dan,” Vinyard said. “We are just the organizers. The people who donated to show support should get all the credit for the event.”

The trio’s original idea was to throw a picnic with food, music and fun for the community and law enforcement to come together to celebrate the men and women in uniform.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that wasn’t an option.

For the safety of everyone, the officers and their families were treated to a barbecue dinner, which was fully funded by members of the community.

“The outpouring of support from members of the community has been nothing short of amazing,” Vinyard said. “In just four weeks, we’ve raised enough to not only

feed our officers and their families, but we will be able to give a substantial donation to the Families of Fallen Officers Fund of the Texas Police Association.”

He said, “With so much anti-police talk going around, I hope that our officers serving Gillespie County can see just how much the people they serve appreciate them and the sacrifices they make to help keep us safe.”

The Back the Blue BBQ event raised just over $20,000, which covered expenses of the dinner and also supported the Families of Fallen Officers through the Texas Police Association.

All donations are tax-deductible through the Texas Police Association.

The organizers said that they are looking at expanding their effort to surrounding counties in the Hill Country.

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Fredericksburg Police Department

Steve Wetz

Yvonne Alberthal

Leian Peterson

Lt. Braxton Roemer

Derek Seelig

Police Chief

Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

Special Services

Training Coordinator

Lt. Brian Vorauer

Danielle Woolverton

Lindsay Fisk

Yvonne Gerhardt

Mickey Moellering

Patrol Lieutenant

Administrative Assistant

Animal Control

Animal Control

Animal Control

Sherry Locklear

Detective Wesley Rheinhardt

Sgt. Javier Sanchez

Lt. Terry Weed

Christopher Ayala

Criminal Investigations Division

Criminal Investigations Division

Criminal Investigations Division

Criminal Investigations Division

www.fredericksburgstandard.com

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FREDERICKSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

Felix Castaneda

Harry Dawes

Brandyn Griffin

Haley Hashaw

Pablo Martinez

Victor Martinez

Benton McClaran

Sgt. Mick McMickle

Sgt. Bryan Philips

Jonathan Prado

We would like to honor all of the men and women who serve the Community as Law Enforcement, Volunteer Firefighters and EMS personnel!

Thank you for ALL that you do!

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Salute | FREDERICKSBURG POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sgt. Shane Purvis

Preston Schmidt

Sgt. Trey Schnelle

Chris Torres

Luke Smith

Not pictured: Gillespie County Dispatch: Brandy Bell Charalene Mueller Tamara Carroll Pam Terry Samantha Phelps Denyse Munoz Eddy Deleon Chelsie Sawyer Stacy Martin

Kat Harwood Sophia Maiorka Rebecca Gerving Fredericksburg Police Dept.: Hugo Alvarez Ben Bosse Clem Castillo Detective Erik Hinterlach Chad Lovelady

Fredericksburg Fire EMS: Colton Cantu Tamara Carroll Benjamin Chambers Adrian Cook Ronnie Denton Adam Hahn Kylie Harmon Brent Kramer Brandon Miller

Paul Pyka Wade Schmidtzinsky Lori Seewald Luke Smith Will Stripling Brandon Vollmar Sitman Wainwright William Waugamon Travis West David Woodward

Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office: Rick Carter DPS Trooper: Dominic Langford Game Warden: Tommy Johnson

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National Night Out slated for Oct. 6 Communities across Gillespie County will be participating in and hosting the annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

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

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participate in local anti-crime efforts, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and

police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, said a spokesman for NNO. Those hosting an event are encouraged to call the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center at 997-7585, so law enforcement, fire fighters and EMS representatives can stop by.

More information on the celebrations planned throughout the county will be announced in the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post as the event draws closer.

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

J.D. Hickman, Pct. 1

Catherine Kuhlmann, Pct. 2

Linda Meier-McCann, Pct. 3

Carl Schoessow, Pct. 4

Subscribe to the

Standard DAILY UPDATE and keep up between issues!

fbgnews@fredericksburgstandard.com

THANK YOU! The willingness of our

Law Enforcement, Firefighters and EMS to sacrifice for our safety has earned them our lasting gratitude.

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Club supports law enforcement The 100 Club of Gillespie County is dedicated to supporting law enforcement officers. The 100 Club, a non-profit organization, describes its purpose as “to raise the level of Gillespie County support for peace officers who have pledged to protect us.”

This 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.

In addition, the club updated the police firing range by providing mobile targets.

They also built a mobile barbecue pit for them.

Most recently, the 100 Club reimbursed the four constable offices for rifle-rated ballistic body armor.

Every spring, the club also 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.

The club holds board meetings every two months, and the general membership meeting is held annually during the spring banquet.

The 100 Club is always accepting new members.

Dues are $100 a year or $1,000 for a life membership.

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

To all those who protect and serve... we give our sincere thanks.

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We are honored to recognize the women and men who dedicate their lives for our safety.

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Private citizens supporting law enforcement

Private citizens supporting and working with local law enforcement is the focus of two programs under the direction of the Fredericksburg Police Department.

The Citizens Police Academy offered by the Fredericksburg Police Department gives residents the chance to learn more about law enforcement and the challenges the officers face while the Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support (FVPS) actually go out and perform specific duties in the community.

And while their focus remains the same, both groups have had to modify and/or cancel their activities and meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Citizens Police Academy While applications are now being taken for the next Citizens Police Academy, the Fredericksburg Police Department has not yet set a date for the class.

Rather, they are waiting to schedule the class when it is safe to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“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.

“We want to be transparent and build a positive relationship with our community,” Roemer added.

“It also allows community members to get to know us and in turn, we get to know them,” he said.

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

Location: 1102 W. Travis Hours: Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

830-997-3781; Fax: 830-997-3786

Assembling care packages recently to send to soldiers were Fredericksburg Police Department employees and Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support volunteers, including, in front Bill King, FVPS; Leian Peterson, FPD administrative assistant, along with Lt. Braxton

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

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.

Roemer, FPD Special Services division; Karen Crist, volunteer; Janice Smith, FVPS; Danielle Wolverton, administrative assistant (behind the boxes); FPD Chief Steve Wetz; Pete Delforge, FVPS; Jim Crist, FVPS, and Yvonne Alberthal, administrative assistant. — Submitted photo

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.

The classes, Roemer said, are geared toward learning about each facet of the Fredericksburg Police Department.

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. Roemer said that participants will gain a good understanding of what each division does and what they are trying to accomplish.

Through the course of the program, par-

Mills & Associates Physical Therapy

salutes our First Responders, Fire, EMS & Law Enforcement!

We are proud of these men & women that serve our community!

Frank Mills, PT, Owner Melinda Mills, PT, Owner (not pictured) Autumn Holland, PTA Carol Johnson, PT (not pictured) Kay Wright, Office Manager Roger Trinkle, Office Coordinator Chris Swanner, ATC /LAT PTA Alice Hahn, DPT CMTPT Kelly Arledge, PT

Salute | lice Department with the summer youth program.

Some FVPS members have participated in the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training and emergency exercise drills.

The 65 members of the FVPS are all graduates of the Citizens Police Academy.

Serving as officers of the FVPS are Robert Taylor, president; Kim Williamson, vice president; Brenda Miiller, treasurer; Charlie Feller, parliamentarian, and Ralph Villani, sergeant-at-arms.

Directors are Debbie Campbell, Bruce Atkins and Judith Rost.

Currently, the group is not holding inperson meetings, and communication is by telephone and text.

Elections are generally held in November, along with a family-style potluck meal and social.

When meetings 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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Working together at a recent Drug Take Back program were Fredericksburg Police Officer Jonathan Prado and Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support member Marvin Guettler. — Submitted photo

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

With the coronavirus ongoing, most activities of the FVPS have been shut down, Roemer said.

He did note that there are still a few things members continue to do, but those do not require any interaction with others.

When they are active, the volunteers assist with traffic control during parades and special events, conduct vacation residence checks using the marked volunteer car, patrol the downtown area on foot to help deter shoplifting, handle clerical work, participate in training and emergency exercise drills and man the substation, which is located on Marktplatz in downtown Fredericksburg.

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

They also assist the Fredericksburg Po-

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ticipants will have the opportunity to meet many of the department members.

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

Classes are taught by members of the Fredericksburg Police Department who, Roemer said, “are the best at what they do.”

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

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

“Those who go through the Citizens Police Academy are not obligated to join the Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support,” Roemer said.

However, Roemer said that individuals have the option of joining FVPS and going “inactive” until they are ready to become active volunteers.

Dues are $10 a year or $100 for a lifetime membership.

The Citizens Police Academy was formed in 1998 by the Fredericksburg Police Department.

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The Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association proudly salutes the

LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE, EMS & FIRST RESPONDERS of Fredericksburg & Gillespie County

We wish to thank them for their continued support during our activities.

It’s nice to know we’ve got a friend!

The Board & Staff Hwy. 16 South | 830-997-2359 | Fredericksburg, Texas

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| Salute

Fredericksburg Fire EMS

Reagan Rabke Fredericksburg Fire Marshal

Steve Olfers Assitant Fire Chief Gillespie County Fire Marshal

Working together to maintain the safety of the city of Fredericksburg are, from left, Asst. Fire Chief and EMS Director David Jung, Emergency Management Coordinator Dave Wisniewski and Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell.

Shift A for the Fredericksburg Fire Department are, from left, Jacob Fritz, Jayden Sifuentes, Capt.

Harvey Lansford, Adonica Crenwelge, Lee Dreyer, Capt.

Stacy Kuhlmann and Jason Leifester. — Submitted photo

FREDERICKSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Glenn Priess President, FVFD

Andrew Belcher

Justin Blue

Lt. Josh Burrier

Michael Cosentino

Salute |

FREDERICKSBURG FIRE EMS

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The Fredericksburg Fire EMS Shift B includes, from left, Capt. Fred Feuge, Kevin Scherer, Amy Burrier, Capt. Romney Kowert, Caleb Tucker, Billy Moellering and Michael Pressler.

Shift C of the Fredericksburg Fire EMS Department includes, from left, Capt. Johnny Carroll, Austin Dreyer, Capt. Brian Marks, Catherine Kuhlmann, Rebecca Gammon, Trent Williams and Stanley DeLoof.

FREDERICKSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Bruce Daley

Dan Feuge

Parker Fitzgerald

Lt. Kyle Fournier

Randall Fuchs

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| Salute

Capt. Santos Guevara

Jason Hildebrand

Frank Hoover

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Medical Professionals First Responders Law Enforcement We would like to thank you with 25% off storewide savings now through August 31st! *Occupational ID required to receive discount

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FREDERICKSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

202 N. Milam St. Fredericksburg, Texas 830-997-3113

2106 Hwy. 281 N. Marble Falls, Texas 830-693-5300

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96 FREDERICK ROAD, FREDERICKSBURG, TX 78624

830-997-9406

www.HeritagePlaceOfFredericksburg.com License# 030089

V ISA - M A ST ERCA R D - DISCOV ER

Salute |

27

FREDERICKSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Jimmie Langerhans

Francisco Lugo

Ryan McBee

Richard Munoz

Ravis Parker

Harper Volunteer Fire Department

Arthur Pressler

The Harper Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1940 and is a non-profit organization. The 2019 volunteers included, from left, Dan Thompson, Danny Criswell, Beth McMahon, Charles Sander, Mark Del Toro, Richard Cowie, Grant Meyer, Kimberly Long, Bill Long, Jayden Sifuentes, Philisha Barker, Tony Patterson, Kathy Jung, Kittie Conner and Steven Pascznk. Not pictured were David Jung, Catherine Kuhlmann, Michael McMahon, Bill Richardson and Myron Tait. —Submitted photo

Willow City Volunteer Fire Department

The 2019 members of the Willow City Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department were, 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, Rob Lewis, Jerry Walsch, James Moore, Dale Heimann, James Priess, Kenneth Priess, Hetsey Pickard, David Woodward, Adolph Bernhard, Mark Moore and Daniel Dreyer. —Standard-Radio Post

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| Salute

FREDERICKSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Tanya Rankin

Derek Rehfield

Jack Sanchez

Lt. Eric Scott

Frank Stead

Pam Terry

Dane Sanvido

Payton Tucker

Tommy Schwengler

William Whitney

Fo r E x c e l l e n c e i n E y e C a r e

THANK YOU To all our local Law Enforcement & First Responders!

D r. H a n s O o s t e r b a a n , O D 110 2 N . L l a n o S t . S t e A Fr e d e r i c k s b u r g , T X 7 8 6 2 4

8 3 0 - 9 9 7- 0 131

237 Equestrian Drive • Fredericksburg, Texas

830-997-4396

Come visit our 6,000 sf event facility

O f f i c e H o u r s: M o n d a y - Fr i d a y 9am - 6pm

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Salute |

Tierra Linda Volunteer Fire Department

The Tierra Linda Volunteer Fire Department of 2019 included, front row from left, Bill Penak, Tom Kutscher, Charlie Orr, Norm Wells, Steve Swing, Gale Heise, Ed Marker, Bud Kersten, Ron Drumheller, George Turner, Charles Hall, Ken McConnell, Bob Hayes, David Swonke, Bill Bar-

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tusek, Carolyn Migely, Ed Whitaker, Laura Emmons, Ray Steelhammer; back row, Bob Docley, Heidi Hueniken, Teresa Rabalais, Rick Blair, Gerry Migely and Jim Talbot. Not pictured are John Knapp, John Pardue, Adam Strauss and Hal Herrick. —Submitted photo

We appreciate and support Gillespie County and Fredericksburg Law Enforcement, Fire Departments & EMS.

Oil Changes  Brakes  Air Conditioning Minor Mechanical  Transmission Fluid Changes Open Mon-Fri 8:00 to 5:00, Tues & Thurs until 5:30 Saturday 9:00 to noon 619 East Main Street  Fredericksburg, Texas 830/997-9359

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| Salute

Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department

The 2019 Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department members pictured were, front from left, Kimi Hopkins, Cathy Lindig, Christa Steekelenburg, Bernice Burg and Helen Celeketic; back row, Chism Jenschke, David Woodward, Keith Curl, Kevin Curl, Greg Simms, Nick Hopkins, Matthew Schumann, Bradley Nielsen, Christopher Nevins, Hartley Clay, Chad Ottmers, Jimmy Eckert,

Fred Burg, Ryan Schumann, Rodney Eckert and Richard Celeketic. Not pictured are Nick Bailey, Adrian Cook, Louis Eckert, Stephen Harvey, Laurel Hoekstra, Neil Loth, Brenda Matysiak, Conrad Matysiak, Ricky Priess, Erin Pomier, Corey Pomier, Neal Poulson, Eugene Schmidt, Timothy Schumann and Pam Terry. —Submitted photo

Doss Volunteer Fire Department Volunteering with the Doss Volunteer Fire Department in 2019 were, front row from left, Clyde Haley, Danny Reeh, Chase Stengel and Adam Geistweidt; back row, Gerald Bratton, Mark Geistweidt, Sem Geistweidt, David Kesler and Ralph Rode. Members not pictured were John Brandenberger, Ben Arhelger, Darrell Arhelger, Paul Baethge, Randy Busch, Evan Tune, Clayton Crenwelge, Kurt Geistweidt, Tuttie Geistweidt, Gary Hahn, Royce Herbort, James Lange, Travis Reeh, Shawn Sattler, Stephen Stengel, Brain Sattler, Laurie Arhelger, Gary Brodbeck, Betty Hahn, Max Hartmann, Pat Jung, Van Mund and Joe Schaefer. — Standard-Radio Post

Waldos We Salute all the First Responders for the hard work they do year after year!

23682 W. US Hwy 290 • Harper, Tx

830-864-4040

Behind every strong police officer there is a strong family who stands by them and supports and loves them with all their heart.

We love you Lieutenant Vorauer!

Lacey, Brianna & William

Tatsch Well Service, LLC and Family & Employees

Truly appreciate and are thankful for everything you do for the community!

Please suPPort your local First resPonders Proud oF our united states Military & FaMilies Locally owned and operated

by Dennis S. Tatsch

“We go to any depth for your well needs!”

Texas Lic. #4502 KLP

Specializing in Service & Repair www.hillcountrywaterwell.com

Phone: 830-997-2413