Salute 2019

Salute LAW

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EMS

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FIRE

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DISPATCH

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

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Summer 2019

A publication of the Fredericksburg Standard

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A salute to Fredericksburg, county first responders Any job can be thought of as a sacrifice of time.

But most of us, as we leave in the morning to go to the office, think that our job could lead to this being the last day we see our spouse, children or other family members.

Our emergency workers — lawmen, firefighters, EMS — are all well-aware of their precarious vocation and that their safety is not guaranteed.

Emergency workers, many of whom still work in a volunteer capacity, are routinely called away from meals and family to perform their service. When some criminals think of themselves as a self-styled “Rambo,” lawmen must use extreme precaution when approaching even simple traffic stops.

In small towns, the stress of their job

is compounded by potentially having to respond to an emergency where the victim is known personally by the emergency worker.

Every day, emergency workers are called into situations where things can quickly go wrong.

Therefore, every day, we need to show our appreciation for those who choose to serve.

These workers go through rigorous training before they are even allowed to serve as a volunteer. That speaks to the level of professionalism expected by our police, sheriff, fire and EMS workers.

Constant education helps our local crews perform at peak levels.

As discussed in an article inside, our professional dispatch workers also deal with stresses as each call they handle

could potentially be a life-and-death situation.

We appreciate the advertisers who took part in this section to show their appreciation.

To our emergency workers, know that your service and sacrifice does not go unnoticed. You are appreciated.

ABOUT THE COVER

It was about the worst night imaginable for emergency personnel who grew up here. An icon- Salute ic dance hall where virtually all of them had danced, done nine-pin bowling and celebrated burned to the S ground when Turner Hall was burned in 2016. Rebuilding is underway.

LAW

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EMS

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FIRE

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DISPATCH

Summer 2019

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

A publication of the Fredericksburg Standard

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

4 Dispatch...................................... 5-6 FPVS................................................ 8 FPD............................................ 9-12 100 Club........................................ 13 Constables/JPs/DPS......................14 Crimestoppers.............................. 15 Ranch Rangers.............................. 16 Game Warden................................17 Emergency Management............. 18 Alvarez/Fire, EMS teamwork........ 19 National Night Out...................... 20 GCSO..................................... 21-25 Fire/EMS............................... 26-28 VFD........................................28-31 Police/Sheriff...................................

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Hill Country Memorial

salutes our emergency First Responders.

Thank you

for serving on the front line of health care.

HCM – HERE WHEN YOU NEED US IMMEDIATE CARE CLINICS Offer quick, convenient and high-quality care for non-emergent issues and illnesses.

Fredericksburg 1031 S State Hwy 16 / (830) 992-2820 Open 7 days a week. Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 10am-6pm

Llano 1310 Ford St / (325) 247-WELL (9355) Open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm

ER - 24/7 EMERGENCY CARE (830) 997-4353 1020 S State Hwy 16 / Fredericksburg

HCM SERVICES HCM MEDICAL GROUP From primary care to specialty physicians, HCM Medical Group works together for the health care needs of our communities. Medical offices in Fredericksburg, Kerrville, Johnson City, Llano and Boerne.

(830) 990-1404

BREAST CENTER One of the best defenses against breast cancer is early detection, and the Hill Country Memorial Breast Center’s 3D digital mammography unit is an important first step in discovering a breast tumor early.

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SLEEP LAB Sleep is as important to your health as diet and exercise. Ask your primary care provider for a sleep study referral.

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HOME CARE Skilled nurses, home health aides, therapists and social service professionals provide the care you need wherever you call home.

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OBSTETRICS Hill Country parents and babies have a special place for delivery.

(830) 997-1253 Women’s Pavilion / 1011 S Milam St / Fredericksburg

HOSPICE Provides safety and dignity for patients and comfort to families and caregivers during the most important time of life.

(830) 997-1335 808 Reuben Street, Floor 2 / Fredericksburg

OUTPATIENT REHAB Provides physical, occupational, and speech therapies for adults and children plus cardiac and pulmonary rehab.

402 W Windcrest / Fredericksburg (830) 997-1357 / (830) 997-1358 (cardiac & pulmonary) 511 US Hwy 281 / Marble Falls Physical Therapy (830) 992-2830

WELLNESS CENTER More than 20,000 square feet of fitness area devoted to strength training, cardiovascular fitness equipment, and two indoor pools plus nutrition counseling and diabetic education.

(830) 997-1355 1006 S State Hwy 16 / Fredericksburg

INFUSION A new dedicated suite with specially trained infusion services staff.

(830) 997-1265 1009 S Milam, Suite 2 / Fredericksburg

ORTHOPEDICS Total knee, shoulder, and hip joint replacement surgery through the Restore program provides remarkable care for joint replacement surgery patients.

Reimagine your life, and get back to the activities you love.

(830) 990-6134 1020 S State Hwy 16

WOUND CARE Provides evaluation and treatment for complex and chronic wounds.

(830) 997-1265 1009 S Milam, Suite 1 / Fredericksburg

To find a doctor, visit

hillcountrymemorial.org/doctor/find or call (800) 578-0631 with questions about our services.

hillcountrymemorial.org

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Bond between FPD chief, sheriff helps community While the color of their uniforms may be different, the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office and the Fredericksburg Police Department work so close together, it’s almost like they’re the same department.

Chief of Police Steven Wetz and Gillespie County Sheriff Buddy Mills explained that the only real differences the county and city have are who they answer to and just a few different responsibilities.

“The only difference a lot of times is the uniform or the area of responsibility that they’re required to take care of,” Mills said. “I’m responsible for the entire county and the jail, so as a sheriff, that’s probably the biggest difference.”

Wetz went on to say they all answer similar types of calls.

Sheriff’s deputies and police officers find themselves helping each other on several occasions in this area.

“Probably one of the last ones was the guy who was setting the fires on the edge of town and even in town,” Mills said. “I can guarantee you every officer in this building was out on the street helping out.”

The closeness of the departments is nothing new, as it’s been that way since

Wetz started in 1984. However, the types of crimes the GCSO handles has become more similar to those of the police department in the last six to eight years. This is primarily due to growth.

“They (sheriff’s office) are getting a whole lot more diversified than they were 20 years ago,” Wetz said.

Mills agreed, saying county growth has taken off immensely in the past six to eight years.

“With that (growth), comes everything from traffic congestion, to accidents and everything else,” Mills said.

“Gillespie County has become a destination point,” Wetz said. “It’s brought a lot of new growth and new diversity.”

They work so closely that they even share a building together. Mills and Wetz agreed that this unique feature is one reason why the area’s law enforcement is so great.

“We aren’t large agencies, but combined together, we’re a good force,” Mills said.

Mills said he promotes this to other counties frequently and hopes it continues as Gillespie continues to grow.

“You don’t change a good thing,” Mills said.

Gillespie County Sheriff Buddy Mills, left, and Fredericksburg Police Chief Steve Wetz work closely to ensure public safety for Gillespie County and the city of Fredericksburg. — Submitted photo

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Saving lives behind the scenes

By McKenzie Moellering Standard-Radio Post reporter

In an emergency situation in Fredericksburg or Gillespie County, the first person called is one of 17 individuals in the Gillespie County Communications Center.

“A majority of our callers are not having their best day,” Gillespie County Communications Center Director Les Metzler said.

“But for dispatchers, that is our every 15 minutes,” Gillespie County dispatcher Stacy Martin said.

Most days, three individuals work a 12hour shift from either 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., 365 days a year. Individuals will work about 15 days a month total but every day is stressful.

“You can’t really describe how stressful it can be,” Metzler said.

“You never know who you are going to be speaking to, you may never see their face,” Gillespie County Dispatcher Bran-

dy Bell said. “But you just may be saving their life.”

Start to finish When a member of the community is in need, they make a 9-1-1 call.

Once the call is answered, dispatchers evaluate the situation and dispatch whatever service is needed.

“Our main job is to answer emergency and non-emergency calls, gather information from the caller and then determine what type of help they need,” Metzler said. “We then turn around and dispatch the appropriate agencies based on the information we have received.”

A primary dispatcher speaks to the caller, while obtaining a location or address.

A second dispatcher can help dispatch the call out. The call can be broadcast throughout the communications center room so multiple dispatchers can aid in the response, if needed.

“I don’t have to quit my train of thought DISPATCH ▶ 6

Gillespie County Communications Center dispatches an average of 3,500 calls a month, ranging from minor to major emergencies. First responders like Stacy Martin, left, and Brandy Bell, are the first voice when someone needs help. Martin began working in dispatch in 2002 and Bell started in 2003. — Standard-Radio Post/McKenzie Moellering

THANK YOU

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DISPATCH

Cont. from 5

or the caller’s train of thought,” Bell said.

“I can help them, while someone else in the room can get help to them.”

All information is tracked in a computer aided dispatch system.

Communication can then shift to another channel until the situation is completed, when dispatch is notified that units are headed back to the station. The goal is to have the call dispatched within 60 to 90 seconds, Metzler said.

“We go into first responder mode,” Martin said. “You can be in dire straits, but the way you react, who you send, the information, you had a hand in saving someone. That makes it worth it.”

“A lot of times, I think about how I would want to be treated if I were the one calling,” Bell said.

If there is one thing the communications center responders want the community to know, it’s that they can trust and have faith in their 9-1-1 agencies.

“Whoever answers the phone, they are going to get the caller the help that they need in a timely manner,” Martin said.

Teamwork The job life of a dispatcher can be short, as the job is often stressful and mentally draining.

“You need time away from here sometimes. You need some fresh air,” Martin said. “It is so important to our mental health and I am thankful that I work in a job that allows me to step away for five minutes.”

With calls coming in all the time, a dispatcher never knows what kind of call they might get.

“Just because the call before shook me to the core, I still have to do my job all over again when the phone rings,” Martin said. “This call might be bad but the next call you get might end up good.”

Unlike the job of a law enforcement agent, a firefighter or EMS, the work of dispatcher is entirely behind the scenes.

“Law enforcement, fire, EMS, they have two to five minutes to think about what is coming, but we don’t have that luxury. It’s instant,” Metzler said. “For us,

BY THE NUMBERS Average calls • 3,500 per month • 38,000 calls in 2018 March 2019 • 9,376 non-emergency calls made and received • 1,437 calls to 9-1-1, incoming and outgoing • 21,809 law enforcement radio transmissions • 11,747 fire and EMS radio transmissions • 48,000 calls/transmissions total Current Employees

Gillespie County Communications Center Director Les Metzler leads a team of 17 dispatchers that respond to the emergency needs of the community. He has over 25 years of law enforcement experience as a dispatcher and an officer. He started his role in 2014.

it’s immediate.”

“We don’t see the scene play out. We see it in our heads,” Martin said. “We have to make split-second decisions.”

Each day for a dispatcher is different.

“It changes every day, it changes every minute,” Bell said. “I can do law enforcement while also running a volunteer fire department to a fire. As long as we communicate here, everyone on the street can communicate.”

Martin has worked in dispatch since 2002 and began working for the communications center in 2017. Bell began working in dispatch in 2003 and joined the team in 2005.

“It is said that one works in dispatch for five years or less, but most employees here have at least three to five years of service,” Bell said. “Every day I learn

something and that’s the part of the job that I like, it keeps me challenged.”

“I think it goes to show you the level of this center is from the boss to the employees,” Martin said. “We will always be growing in this job. If it stays stagnant, I’m obsolete.”

Both Martin and Bell can recall stories where they have stayed in touch with people whose lives they have saved.

Filling jobs in dispatch can also be a challenge.

“It’s hard to find people who want to get into this,” Metzler said. “You hear all the time that people want to be in fire and EMS and law enforcement but very few say they want to do this.”

Unlike many jobs, there isn’t a lot of field training, most is in-house.

www.fredericksburgstandard.com

Brandy Bell Teresa Smith Tamara Carroll Pam Terry Samantha Phelps Denyse Munoz Eddy Deleon Chelsie Sawyer Stacy Martin Kathryne Harwood Payton Tucker

“A lot of training is listening. That is what I do,” Bell said.

Legislative changes In January 2014, the Texas legislature required that all dispatchers be licensed by the state.

At the federal level, technically, telecommunicators are not considered first responders, but recent legislation in the state of Texas will recognize such persons as first responders beginning Sept.

1.

“We are approaching a time where we are not forgotten and we can be out in the public and people will better understand what we do,” Bell said.

“We are not secretaries, we are not clerks, we are first responders and we are proud,” Martin said.

ATTENTION - Citizens of Gillespie County A unique opportunity to support your local LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

The 100 Club is the only citizen-sponsored organization established to provide financial support to families of Gillespie County officers who are injured or lose their life while protecting us. We will also recognize and honor Gillespie County’s Peace Officers for their personal dedication to citizens’ safety and security.

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.

THIS ADVERTISEMENT PAID FOR BY 100 CLUB OF GILLESPIE COUNTY.

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Citizens help keep town safe 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.

Citizens Police Academy Applications are now being taken for the next Citizens Police Academy that will begin next spring.

“This 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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Work i ng with Roemer with the Citizens Police Academy is Lt. Brian Vorauer, academy 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.

Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support (FVPS) is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2019.

And plans are in the works for a commemoration event in November to mark the milestone.

“I encourage anyone who lives here to go through the Citizens Police Academy with the intention of learning more about the police department,” said Robert Taylor, president of the Fredericksburg Volunteers in Police Support.

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 date program and work with handicapped parking enforcement.

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

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

The 60 members of the FVPS are all graduates of the Citizens Police Academy.

Serving as officers of the FVPS along with Taylor are Robby VanderKaay, vice president; Brenda Miiller, treasurer; Vici Taylor, secretary; Charlie Feller, parliamentarian, and Ralph Villani, sergeantat-arms. Directors are Bruce Atkins, Debbie Campbell and Kim Williamson.

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

Meetings are held every 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.

www.fredericksburgstandard.com

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Fredericksburg Police Department

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Fredericksburg Police Department includes, from left, Terry Weed, Sgt. Javier Sanchez and Sherry Locklear.

The Special Services Lieutenant for the Fredericksburg Police Department is Braxton Roemer.

Thank you!

The Pioneer Museum recognizes and thanks our Emergency First Responders and all support personnel for their 24/7/365 work on our behalf.

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

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619 East Main Street  Fredericksburg, Texas 830/997-9359

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Fredericksburg Police Department

Officers in the Fredericksburg Police Department working to protect the City of Fredericksburg. Pictured front row, from left, Jonathan Prado and Marshall Hefley; back row, Shane

Purvis, Frank Habecker, Chad Lovelady, Hugo Alvarez and Bryan Philips. Not pictured are Erik Hinterlach and Reagan Rabke. — Standard-Radio Post/McKenzie Moellering

Fredericksburg Police Department officers include, from left, Sgt. Trey Schnelle, Mick McMickle, Preston Schmidt and Michael Quinn.

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Fredericksburg Police Department

Officers of the Fredericksburg Police Department also include, from left, Chris Torres, Luke Smith, Derek Seelig, Ben Bosse and Felix Castaneda. — Standard-Radio Post/Julia Maenius

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Fredericksburg Police Department

Patrolling the downtown area of Fredericksburg often is Fredericksburg Police Department Officer Clem Castillo, left, while Officer Chris Ayala serves as the school resource officer for Fredericksburg Independent School District.

The City of Fredericksburg Animal Control/Shelter has moved to their new location at 319 Hollmig Lane.

Looking after the shelter and the needs of the animals are Yvonne Gerhardt and Micky Moellering. The new facility is open Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

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100 Club offers support to law enforcement officers Supporting local law enforcement agencies is the purpose of the 100 Club of Gillespie County.

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.

“We are here to help officers and their families during a time of injury or death,” said Ken Moore, president of the 100 Club.

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.

Along with Moore, other leaders of the

100 Club are Ray Tschirhart, vice president and co-founder; Mariechen Kramer, secretary/treasurer; Edward Earp Jr., cofounder; Harvey Moellering Jr.; Gordon Gipson; Nathan Quay; Brad Schneider, and Donna Herrera.

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. Currently, the club includes 142 members, 123 life members and 21 business members.

“The 100 Club provides opportunities for anyone and everyone to support those who answer the call to serve and protect us,” Moore said.

And, he said, it’s comforting for these law enforcement personnel to know that when the unthinkable happens to them, the 100 Club will be there to support them.

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

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

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Danke Schön!

to the women and men serving in our Community Law Enforcement, Fire Departments and EMS! 815 W. Main St. www.crenwelge.com • 830-997-4331

H

The Gillespie County Fair & Festivals Association proudly salutes the

LAW ENFORCEMENT, FIRE DEPTS & EMS 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 JUSTICES OF THE PEACE

COUNTY CONSTABLES

Ken Moore Pct. 1

Kenny Bode Pct. 2

Hilario Villa Pct. 3

Marshall Akin Pct. 4

JD Hickman Pct. 1

Catherine Kuhlmann Pct. 2

Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol Troopers Trooper Mike Bacon Trooper Dominic Langford

Trooper David Vaughan Trooper Sharadyn Andrews

Linda Meier McCann Pct. 3

Carl Schoessow Pct. 4

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Crimestoppers upgrades tip software Gillespie County Crime Stoppers recently announced a partnership with the Texas-based group, Anderson Software, to improve their anonymous crime reporting.

“This partnership provides a more seamless and efficient way for community members to offer information to help solve and prevent crimes,” law enforcement coordinator Joe Folse said. “We are hoping to get more tips about the crimes being committed in the community, and this is a great outlet to report information.”

The new app, P3 Tips, is an app that will replace the Text-A-Tip System Crime Stoppers previously used.

Still anonymous, the app has no limitations in length and will also allow images, video and documents to be uploaded.

“This software is more versatile and has more tools and we are still learning about what all it does,” said Steve Olfers, chairman of the Gillespie County Crime Stoppers Board.

“Our old software lacked an app and the

one piece of feedback we repeatedly heard was if there was an app,” Folse said. “The world is growing into more technology, so we needed to meet that need.”

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, Gillespie County Crime Stoppers has created a new website, dedicated specifically to reporting information.

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

Community members can also still report information via phone at 830-9978477.

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

With this information, they can log in 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 infor-

mation.

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

“This is definitely an upgrade to the technology we use and we want to make it something people are comfortable using, all while maintaining the anonymity,” Olfers added.

2019 Board Members • Steve Olfers, chairman; • Marcus E. Vidrine Jr., vice chairman; • Landon Rode, secretary; • Gina Koennecke, treasurer; • Tony Klein, director; • Don Smith, director; • Steve Watson, director; • Ralph Bartel, director; • Michael Monahan, director.

Thanks For All You do To Keep our Community Safe!

830-990-9888

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!

H. MOELLERING CONSTRUCTION LLC Debbie & Harvey Moellering Jr.

Ferrl, Keven & Kasey 3700 Cherry Mountain Loop • 830-998-1686

To all the first responders in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County...

Thank You!

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Ranch rangers wrangle cattle theft Cattle raisers association supports ranch, livestock protection

By Joshua McKinney

Mike Barr, a Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Special Ranger, explains the duties of his job to the Fredericksburg Rotary Club on July 15. Barr protects ranches in an eight-county area that includes Gillespie County. — Standard-Radio Post/Joshua McKinney

997-2584 432 S. Lincoln St. Fredericksburg, TX TACLB005208C

“Customizing Comfort Since 1974”

Thank You

Fredericksburg and Gillespie County Law Enforcement, Firefighters and EMS for a job WELL DONE!

The idea of rustling strikes images of old Westerns or tall tales from the 1870s.

It’s no thing of the past for the Special Rangers of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Mike Barr, one of 30 Special Rangers serving the TSCRA, focuses on protecting ranchers within an eight-county area that includes Bandera, Blanco, Comal, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Llano and Mason counties.

Barr works out of the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office, making him another local arm of the law.

The Texas State Historical Association states that the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association formed Feb. 15, 1877, in Graham.

The group, which started as the StockRaisers’ Association of North-West Texas, came together in the shadow of postCivil War Texas with systemizing “spring work” and curbing cattle rustling as its goals.

“They were having a lot of trouble in the area and this was 11 years after the Civil War, so everything was pretty much rampant with theft and a lot of other problems, so that’s where we came in,” Barr s aid.

TSCRA Special Rangers enforces laws pertaining to livestock and agriculture in Texas and Oklahoma.

Association members pay for the Special Rangers, who are in turn commissioned as peace officers by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

TSCRA members fund the Special Rangers through yearly dues, but membership doesn’t mean Special Rangers won’t pursue criminals.

According to the TSCRA’s webpage explaining the duties of Special Rangers, the officers investigate about 1,000 agricultural crime cases that recover an average of $5 million in stolen cattle and assets for ranchers on an annual basis.

“We’ve been busy,” Barr said. “We’ve been working. In this area alone, we’ve had several cases that were taken before

a grand jury. That’s what we do. We go out and work with other sheriffs’ offices.”

Among the Special Rangers’ duties are: • Investigating thefts of cattle, horses, saddles, trailers, equipment and even poaching; • Pursuing white-collar criminals who commit agricultural fraud; • Inspecting livestock to determine ownership and prevent theft after a natural disaster; • Determining ownership of stray livestock; • Educating landowners on theft prevention; • Keeping the peace.

This list of duties has led Barr into international incidents during his time covering an eight-county area spanning the U.S.-Mexico border from El Paso to the Pecos River that’s roughly 27,654.3 thousand squares miles of desert.

A local case involved forgery of a check from Gillespie Livestock Co. The suspect took the check from the victim’s mailbox and cashed it at a local bank to buy drugs in San Antonio, according to Barr.

“He had bought a bunch of heroin in San Antonio,” Barr said. “He had to supply his drug habit. You sell cattle, you’re going to get several thousands of dollars for your cattle. You burglarize a home and take guns, stereos, TVs or whatever, you’re not going to get market value, normally, like you would selling cattle.”

If cattle raisers follow any of Barr’s advice, it’s to brand every head.

This makes investigating theft an easier task for Special Rangers and grand juries like to see brands.

“People steal cattle,” Barr said. “They still to this day take property that doesn’t belong to them. We encourage folks to brand their cattle. I know that’s hard to do for different reasons … but that’s why we have veterinarians. It makes our job a lot easier.

“It’s like if you mail a letter in the postal service, you have to put your return address on there because if it gets lost, you’re not going to find where that letter goes.”

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Helping protect nature, people Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Game Wardens protect and serve nature and people.

If Gillespie County Game Warden Sam Harris can sum it up in one sentence, it’s this: protecting the state’s natural resources for future generations.

The TPWD mission statement is “to manage and conserve the natural and cultural resources of Texas and to provide hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.

As conservation law enforcement officers, game wardens play a big part in making this happen. “(Protecting the natural resources of Texas) really is our bottom line,” Harris said. “We’re natural conservation officers first, but are law enforcement officers, too. Protecting those resources is what it’s about.”

Two game wardens patrol the 1,067.1 square miles that comprise Gillespie County: Samuel Harris and Clayton Pipkin.

Harris has worked a 20-year career for TPWD that’s covered the Panhandle, the Coastal Bend area near Corpus Christi and Gillespie County, where he currently serves.

Pipkin’s career, spanning 19 years, started in Andrews and Gaines counties

located near the bottom of the Panhandle and Live Oak County.

He’s served Gillespie County about four years.

TPWD’s history begins with the creation of the Fish and Oyster Commission in 1895. The Game Department was added in 1907.

Eventually, oyster was dropped from the title, and in 1963, the State Parks Board (formed in 1923) and the Game and Fish Commission were merged to form the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Game wardens, who have been around as long as the department, received a peace officer commission in 1971.

Since then, the officers remain the top law enforcement when it comes to fish, game and nature, and also help with a little bit of everything.

They do what they can to eliminate poaching and abuse of wildlife and nature, but also assist local law enforcement and help rescue efforts when natural disasters like hurricanes or flooding occur.

They don’t stay stationary for long, if at all.

With no office, and not a lot of supervision, game wardens are expected to handle things on their own.

“We’re pretty self-driven because we aren’t immediately supervised,” Pipkin

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said. “We’re expected to take care of business without a lot of direct supervision. It can get exciting pretty quickly and other times you’re waiting for something exciting to happen.

“It’s a pretty (public relations) type of job. You get to know a lot of people.”

Game wardens stay at their busiest during hunting season, starting with dove and archery season in September and through the end of the special late white-tailed deer season in February.

The geodiversity and varying climates

of Texas also leads to different job descriptions for game wardens.

One who works in the state’s most populous county — Harris County — won’t serve the same roles as some working in far West Texas.

“I’ve worked in other parts of the state and places that were more rural than Gillespie County and more populated on the coast,” Harris said. “You just have a different role depending on where you’re stationed in the state … you depend on each other a lot more in rural counties.”

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Managing emergencies Fredericksburg and Gillespie County’s law enforcement and first responder agencies work every day in a variety of ways to keep the area safe. However, there are times when even they need help.

That’s when Emergency Management steps in. When needed, director John Culpepper will find the resources needed to assist Gillespie County first responders in an emergency.

“If there’s a fire or major accident, where law enforcement, fire and EMS are all called out, then, if they need additional resources, I’d be called in,” Culpepper said.

Emergency Management’s goal is made up four responsibilities: mitigate (reduce or eliminate risks to persons or property), be prepared to prevent, protect against, respond to and recover from domestic incidents, respond to an imminent emergency or immediately after an emergency and recover by developing, coordinating and executing service and site restoration plans for impacted communities.

Culpepper said the type of incidents Emergency Management assists with around the country has gotten larger over the years.

“In the past, we responded in the aftermath of natural disasters, rather than man-made or technical hazards,” Culpepper said.

In Gillespie County, Culpepper said they’ve had to respond to numerous large fires of over 1,000 acres and bomb scares at a local high school.

“Whenever we request assistance and we can’t meet those needs locally, then Emergency Management gets involved,” Culpepper said.

To better prepare for a recovery in a large incident, Emergency Management has prepared an Emergency Organizations Plan.

“That is a basic plan with 22 annexes and 66 appendices that try to cover everything that we can anticipate happening,” Culpepper said.

They also have plans for covering pan-

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demics, breaking of dams and other types of threats.

To work in any type of emergency position, the person has to have a calling, or a specific desire to do so. EMS director David Jung said Culpepper, who spent most of his career in the Air Force, was a good fit for this position.

Culpepper said in 2005, the city and the county adopted the National Incident Emergency Management System. At that time, the mayor became the emergency manager for the city and the judge became the emergency manager for the county.

In 2007, they both appointed Culpepper as the Emergency Management coordinator to handle day-to-day operations.

He wanted this position when it became available in 2007 because it would allow him to continue his career of serving his community.

While he’s loved his time in this position, it’s likely to be up soon, as he plans to retire next year.

John Culpepper is the Emergency Management Coordinator . — Standard-Radio Post/ Samuel Sutton

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.

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Alvarez brings home gold

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Officer competes at first Texas Police Games in Abilene Fredericksburg Police Department patrol officer Hugo Alvarez stays in shape to help his community and win gold medals.

Alvarez, who’s one of the newest hires for the FPD, brought home gold medals in three events at the Texas Police Games this June in Abilene.

“First time going,” he said. “It was a great experience and look forward to going back.”

Alvarez, a night shift officer, put in plenty of work to earn the top spot in three events.

“I felt good because it’s something to stay in shape for,” he said.

“Something to let you know that you’ve still got it and you’re still in (good enough) shape to help people and get your job done.”

The young officer credits the department’s allotted exercise time to helping him get in practice.

Once competition time drew closer, he went to the Fredericksburg High School track to work on the events, which require a lot of technique.

It took a little bit of time, but Alvarez remembered his train-

ing from high school.

“It was a struggle at first but it was about two months before the competition when I got my routine and strategies down,” Alvarez said. “I had to readapt to the high jump. I forgot that you could only jump off one foot.”

The Texas Police Games, held annually by the Texas Police Athletic Foundation, is a week-long, multi-sport event for the state’s police officers.

The department planned on taking a lot of people, Alvarez said, but other circumstances led him to be the only Fredericksburg officer in attendance.

Alvarez says his first year and a half as a police officer has been great.

He was encouraged to pursue law enforcement by his brother, Jose Alvarez of the Hondo Police Department.

“I love what I do,” Alvarez said. “You get to see different things every day. You never know what’s going to happen. It’s something that keeps you on your toes.”

Fredericksburg Police Department Patrol Officer Hugo Alvarez recently brought home three gold medals after competing at the Texas Police Games. — Submitted photo

Fire, EMS collaborate to serve town The Fredericksburg Fire Department has grown immensely over the years and that’s mostly due to the growth of the city.

Captain of EMS and Fire Romney Kowert and Fire Chief Lynn Bizzell gave a rundown of just how much it’s grown and the relationships they’ve built with other departments.

Combining Fire and EMS, the department has 21 full-time employees on staff and 16 part-time employees. The full-time staff is divided into three different shifts.

During those shifts, they operate the ambulance and fire trucks.

“We work a 24 on, 48 off schedule,” Kowert said. “We have seven people here at all times on those shifts.”

Along with that, they have a firefighter on duty from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.

All of this is to ensure a fast response time and to keep up with the county’s growing population, which leads to more calls. As an example, Bizzell said the department has responded to more than 1,600 calls already this year.

“This is just the first six months,” Bizzell said. “So, if you take that into consideration, we’re going to be over 3,000 calls this year.”

This not only helps safety, it also helps lower citizens’ insurance.

Along with the high amount of full-time employees, the department also has five employees in administration and 31 volunteers.

“The volunteers are pretty much the backbone,” Kowert said. “They help us a lot. If we have a big fire, we depend on the volunteers to come in.”

The department has a training pool, as well, which are people who were voted in to start training to become full-time volunteers. Currently, there are 10 people in the training pool.

The amount of people they have on staff has changed immensely over the years.

Kowert said in the ’80s, they only had three full-time people and one volunteer for the ambulance. The volunteer would work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“It was pretty much just bare bones, but we didn’t have as many people in town at that time,” Kowert said.

Staff increased slowly going into the 21st century, as they went up to four per day for 24 hours. They quickly moved to the 24 on and 48 off schedule after that.

At that time, they only had one station attendant on duty.

“It takes a lot of people to run this organization,” Kowert said. “You have to have it manned 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. There’s no time when you can’t have all of your trucks manned.”

In November 2016, when Bizzell was hired, Fire and EMS merged. Kowert said the merge was a good idea because it has helped with response time and it’s diversified the staff’s skills.

“A lot of our EMS we’ve cross trained to fire, and a lot of our fire we’ve cross trained to EMS,” Kowert said. “People are getting to do a little bit of everything around here.”

Another way the department keeps up

with county growth is by collaborating with the fire departments in surrounding areas. Kowert said they’ve partnered with Doss, Harper, Stonewall, Willow City and Tierra Linda in Kerrville.

“We’ve got a big group of people in the county that when we go out and send an ambulance out, for example, we have a group that normally can come out and help them,” Kowert said.

Kowert said Fredericksburg has a great relationship with surrounding departments, and he’s thankful for that, as it can be a rarity in other places.

“We’ve always just been like a big family,” Kowert said. “Some places, you have rivalries and you have people who are bullheaded, but not here. Everybody seems to get along really well.”

Kowert and Bizzell expect the county to continue its growth and they plan to keep growing with it by adding more staff in the future, constantly continuing their training and potentially building more substations in the future.

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National Night Out promotes partnerships Communities across Gillespie County will be participating and hosting the annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

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.

Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Fredericksburg Police Department personnel will also be out and about attending events.

Open houses and special activities are expected for the fire stations in the communities of Doss, Harper, Stonewall and Willow City.

Fredericksburg Fire and EMS will not be hosting an event at the station, but instead, members will be attending various block parties around the community.

Those hosting an event are encouraged to call the law enforcement center at 997-7585, so law enforcement, fire fighters and EMS representatives can stop by.

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

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

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Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office has five personnel on duty per shift. Pictured left to right, Sgt. Joe Hindman, Bob Blumrich, Chad Loth, John Austin and Roland Moreno.

Another shift at the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office includes, from left, Sgt. Nick Moellering, Wayne Hudson, Adam Boyd, Bill Hull and Mike Pavlov.

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Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

The Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office has administrators of each department. Those administrators include, from left, Lt. John Robinson, Jail Administrator; Chief Deputy James Segner; and Lt. Brian Pehl, Field Operations Division. — Standard-Radio Post/Julia Maenius

The Criminal Investigation Division of the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office includes, from left, Furex, Canine Division; Johnny Gorden, James Ahrens and Wesley Reinhardt. Not pictured, Joe Folse of Gillespie County Crime Stoppers.

The heads of security for the Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office are Karl Myers, Court Security, Chief Security Officer and Travis Burrer Jr., Assistant Jail Administrator.

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Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

Serving as Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office deputies are, from left, James Kruse, Sgt. Justin Cole, Sterling Hood, Hunter McIntosh, Dustin DeGraw and Kevin Carter.

Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office deputies also include, from left, Dustin Simmons, Sgt. Todd Metzger, Larry Drozd and John Halstead. — Standard-Radio Post/McKenzie Moellering

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Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

Jailers in the Gillespie County jail work in shifts of four or five. Pictured left to right, Korey Kunc, Lillian Gehrlein, Kyle Wright and Jeremiah Parker.

Other jailers in the Gillespie County facility include, from left, Haley Hashaw, Francisco Avila, Melissa Arredondo, James Hurlbut and Kevin Gold.

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Gillespie County Sheriff’s Office

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Another group of jailers at the Gillespie County Law Enforcement Center includes, from left, Ricky Franco, Elizabeth Nielsen, Christopher Wood, kitchen manager, Joshua Treibs and Sarah Neans.

Gillespie County Jailers include from left, Christopher Klaehn, Lori Flemma, Jason Porter and Zachary Burdorf.

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Fredericksburg Fire EMS

Leading Fredericksburg and Gillespie County on the A shift, are from left, Adonica Crenwelge, Will Stripling, Jayden Sifuentes, Capt.

Harvey Lansford, Santos Guevara and Kylie Harmon.

Not pictured are Capt. Stacy Kuhlmann, Eric Scott, Lee Dreyer and Jason Leifeste.

— Submitted photo

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Fredericksburg Fire EMS

The C shift for Fredericksburg Fire EMS includes, from left, Capt. Brian Marks, David Klump, Rebecca Gammon, Stanley DeLoof, Tonya Rankin, Fire Marshal David Wisniewski, Capt. John-

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ny Carroll and Jason Hildebrand. Not pictured are Austin Dreyer, Tom Egan and Catherine Kuhlmann.

The B shift includes, from left, Michael Pressler, Capt. Romney Kowert, Caleb Tucker, Kevin Scherer, Amy Burrier, Capt.

Fred Feuge and Billy Moellering.

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Fredericksburg Fire EMS

Members of Fredericksburg Fire EMS are required to maintain training. Groups are sent to the TEEX fire school in College Station. Recent attendees include front row, from left, Capt.

Stacy Kuhlmann, Peyton Tucker, Chris Guevara, Billy Moellering and Catherine Kuhlmann; back row, DJ Herbort, Andrew Belcher, Dane Sandivo and Jason Leifeste.

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Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department

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Officers of the Fredericksburg Volunteer Fire Department include, front row from left, Brandon Vollmar, treasurer; Glenn Priess, president; Adam Hahn, vice president, and Eleanor Kneitz, former member; back row, Lt. Kyle Fournier, Capt. Josh Burrier, Chief Lynn Bizzell, Assistant Chief David Jung, Assistant Chief and Gillespie County Fire Marshal Steve Olfers, Capt. Arthur Pressler and Lt. Santos Guevara. Members not pictured include Bruce Daley, Dan Feuge, Kyle Fournier, Randall Fuchs, Victor Guerrero, Christopher Guevara, Paul Hannemann, DJ Herbort, Brent Kramer, Kevin Kramer, Arron Kuhlmann, Jimmie Langerhans, Brian Lochte, Francisco Lugo, Ryan McBee, Paul Pyka, Jack Sanchez, Wade Schmidtzinsky, Luke Smith, Frank Stead, Ayla Truan, William Waugamon, Andrew Belcher, Daniel Cooper, Jacob Fritz, Bryce Jung, Katie Habecker, Greg Leal, Hatton Ross, Dane Sanvido, Peyton Tucker and Sitman Wainwright. — Submitted photo

Willow City Volunteer Fire Department

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, Pasty 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 Walsh, James Moore, Dale Heimann, James Priess, Kenneth Priess, Hetsey Pickard, David Woodward, Adolph Bernhard, Mark Moore and Daniel Dreyer. — Standard-Radio Post/Julia Maenius

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Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department

Stonewall Volunteer Fire Department recently completed structure fire training in order to stay up to date and well-versed in fighting fires. Pictured, front row from left, Kimi Hopkins, Cathy Lindig, Christa Steekelenburg, Bernice Burg, Helen Celeketic and Fred Burg; back row, Chism Jenschke, David Woodward, Keith Curl, Kevin Curl, Greg Simms, Nick Hopkins, Matthew Schumann, Bradley Nielsen, Chris Nevins, Hartley Clay, Chad Ottmers, Jimmy

Eckert, Ryan Schumann, Rodney Eckert, James Petsch and Richard Celeketic. Other members not pictured include Eugene Schmidt, Laurel Hoekstra, Sandra Baker, Ricky Priess, Tim Schumann, Louis Eckert, Adrian Cook, Brenda Matysiak, Conrad Matysiak and Steven Harvey. — Submitted photo

Tierra Linda Volunteer Fire Department

The Tierra Linda Volunteer Fire Department includes, 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-

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

Doss Volunteer Fire Department

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Members of the Doss Volunteer Fire Department include, 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 include John Brandenberger, Ben Arhelger, Darrell Arhelger, Paul Baethge, Randy Busch, Kurt Geistweidt, Tuttie Geistweidt, Gary Hahn, Royce Herbort, James Lange, Travis Reeh, Shawn Sattler, Stephen Stengel, Brian Sattler, Laurie Arhelger, Gary Brodbeck, Betty Hahn, Max Hartmann, Pat Jung, Van Mund and Joe Schaefer. — StandardRadio Post

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

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