Out of the Storm

from Columbus, Texas 2023 Spring/Summer

TEXAS PROUD

COLUMBUS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT’S TONY STOLAR SHARES STORY OF STRENGTH AND HOPE

PHOTOS BY LORI OLIVAREZ-LIGUES

January 14, 1991 is a date that is etched in Colorado County history. It’s hard to forget the day that a F1 tornado struck Milentz Trailer Park, destroying four mobile homes, injuring several residents and leaving one man to die of his injuries a few days after the catastrophic event. That same tornado would go on to cause significant damage to a local convenience store, overturn vehicles traveling Interstate 10, and completely destroy the historic 150-year-old William Harbert Plantation.

Even in this devastating tragedy, God had a plan. Columbus would witness one of their own rise up out of the debris with a new desire to serve the community that he loves.

“I was there when it all happened,” said Tony Stolar, captain of the Columbus Volunteer Fire Department. “I knew people affected and ran down to try to help. This tragic event inspired me to join the fire department that year.”

His 30 years with the department were not always easy for Tony but, even after three decades of service, he still finds the strength to respond to the call with the same zest.

“It’s tough mentally and physically,” said Tony. “It’s really tough on a person. Some people can do it and some can’t. It’s hard to see the bad stuff, but I can work through it. Even when there is someone who is deceased, I am still trying my best to get them out of that bad situation. It’s the same with fires. I try my best to put it out quickly so there isn’t as much damage to a residence or vehicle. You simply get it done, whatever needs to be done.”

Tony finds that he can always lean into his faith in times of need.

“People are put in bad spots,” said Tony. “When we’re going on a call, I am sure we are all thinking the same things. We say a prayer to get everybody out safe and sound. I always say a prayer to God to help me through this and to help the people we are going to help to get through this tough situation.”

And since Columbus is a completely volunteer fire department, Tony also has his regular job to report to.

“I’m a mechanic by trade,” said Tony. “I’ve always loved to work on things. When I was a kid, I would tear things apart just to try and fix them again. My step-father was also a mechanic and it was easy to follow in his footsteps.”

Tony would also become a step-father himself when he married the love of his life, Deborah Stolar.

“It was an instant family,” shared Tony. “I was 21 years-old when I first met my wife. Although it wasn’t always easy being a step-dad, I love them as my own and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Today, Tony and Deborah’s life revolves around community, family, and taking on the world at a different pace than most.

“We have a date night several nights a week,” said Tony. “We like to watch movies together. She says she’d rather stay home to watch a movie instead of going out to the theater. I tell her, ‘If that’s what you want to do, that’s what we’ll do.’ After all, the Hallmark Channel has a lot of good movies. We both like to stay home and do things at home.”

And Tony doesn’t plan on retiring from his calling at CVFD anytime soon.

“I’m fixing to be 53 on April 14,” shared Tony. “I’ll be with the fire department as long as my health allows me to.”

Kevin and Sadie Elstner have owned and operated Elstner Cattle Company in Weimar, Texas since the late ‘90s. Their cattle are naturally raised, hormone-free, antibiotic-free, grass fed, natural grain finished and never leave the ranch until it’s time to slaughter.

In 2022, they purchased Kasper’s Slaughter and Packing House, now known as Elstner Meat Processing, dba Weimar Meat Company also in Weimar, Texas. They raise, feed, slaughter, and process all in Weimar.