e-NEWSLETTER – 2nd Qtr. June 2020

 This has been a tough year for our fire department when it comes to funding the plans we have made for the future. We, like you, have been affected by this COVID pandemic. We spent months planning for improved emergency services and how to go about funding the improvements only to be separated from the people who support us. 

 Springtime is always the big fund-raising season for us. Traditionally, our Memorial Weekend BBQ and Spring Raffle are money-makers for us producing income that can exceed $10,000. That is a considerable amount of money helping us keep the lights on, pay for fuel, and fund improvements in the level of service we provide. These opportunities for the community to support us while enjoying our brisket and winning a raffle prize have passed but the need to provide emergency services to our neighbors hasn't! During this pandemic, we have responded to all 911 calls in our district. We are keeping you safe while doing what we can to keep ourselves healthy. 

 We need your help. By purchasing a raffle ticket and by donating to one of our targeted fund raising efforts, you help us help you and your neighbor. 

 Our raffle this year has been delayed but we are excited about it. First prize is a 2-day Class ‘A’ exotic hunt sometime this fall which includes a guide, lodging and meals. Second prize is a bolt action .270 deer rifle with scope and case. Third prize is a 9mm automatic pistol. Tickets are just $20.00. You can request raffle tickets by contacting us on our web site (wllvfdesd2.org), on Facebook (WLLVFD,) or by calling 254-729-0165. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the general fund. 

 We are also offering the opportunity to donate directly to a specific program. These donations will be ear-marked for specific goals and projects in the fire department and in the community.  

 The expansion of our firefighting water supply system is one of our primary goals for this budget year. We would like to place water storage tanks at specific locations to better serve neighborhood areas. These storage tanks will supplement the water plants we have at our three fire stations. If a neighborhood wishes to donate to a water tank fund for their area, our Emergency Services Organization will match these donations and install a firefighting water tank to protect that community. You can get with me for details.  

 Three other opportunities to donate to the improvement of services include: Fire Truck Fund, Personal Protective Equipment Fund, and Firefighter Scholarship Fund. If you prefer, you can simply support to our General Fund. 

 If you are inclined to donate to benefit a specific program, please note that on your check and mail your donation to: West Lake Limestone VFD, 6614 FM 937, Thornton, Texas 76687   

 We believe community spirit is more important now than ever before. By sticking together, we are all better off. Please help us help you. Thank you in advance and I am always available for questions and comments. 

The ESD#2 commissioners meet on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 in the main fire station on FM937. An ESD is a government entity established by the state to provide emergency fire, medical, and rescue services in a defined geographic area. An ESD is a local government entity established by the citizens of that area. By state design, ESDs have five commissioner positions who donate their time and talents to help their neighbors.  

 Presently one of our commissioner positions is unfilled; this one being the secretary. Commissioners are appointed by our County Judge and serve two-year terms. This is an opportunity to serve your community and to take a leadership role in sustaining the capabilities of the West Lake Limestone VFD as our department continues to be recognized for their enthusiasm and professionalism. 

 If you are interested in contributing to a growing emergency services organization and would like to talk about the details of the position, please contact Vernon Davis, the ESD#2 President. His email and telephone number are provided at the end of this newsletter.

Steve Hicks is a National Registry Paramedic, works for the local hospital on the ambulance and volunteers in our Emergency Services Organization responding to emergency calls and providing training to our first responders. 

 Steve recently completed instructor training through Texas A&M and has been awarded Certified Medical Instructor from the Texas State Department of Health. This certification allows Steve to teach and certify members of our department and other responders throughout the county to the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) level and beyond. 

 This training, provided by Steve, will allow our members to provide Basic Life Support measures during the critical minutes before the ambulance arrives because of their National Registry certifications.  

 Our certified EMR responders will have the tools and training to provide oxygen therapy for respiratory emergencies, blood sugar testing for diabetic emergencies, and upgraded trauma care to patients in our district. 

 Steve Hicks is recognized as the WLLVFD Member of the Quarter for his contributions and the impact he has on the quality of medical services provided by our department. Thank you, Steve.