First meeting of the BBVVFD or Big Bend Valley Volunteer Fire Department. This all went well until one of the potential members decided he wanted to run the show after a unanimous vote for the Fire Chief. That member and his wife chose to leave after he didn't get his way.
Second picture shows our fire station. Actually we only get half of it as it will also be used by the building owner to store construction equipment at times. The Fire Chief from the Study Butte/Terlingua fire department was supposed to show up to add input, but he didn't make it. The meeting was a success without him and despite the other two people leaving.
The manager of the Cowboy Mine has said she will make sure any tanks we get will be filled with water. Lee's pickup with a 400 gallon tank, pump and commercial grade fire extinguisher is our first fire truck and more equipment is expected to be donated by other fire departments. Including fire suits and accessories.
Lee was voted Fire Chief, I was appointed fire Captain and Dave was appointed Secretary. It also falls on me to be the communications officer since I pretty well have line of sight to most of this area. I'll be adding a CB tower for communication with members who have CBs. Other members were appointed other positions and I'm sure others will be appointed for other positions later.
If any of you moving down here full time want to join let me know and I'll pass it on. There will probably be a monthly meeting.
Congratulations Fire Captain!
ReplyDeleteBravo on the community support. I am sure it will be beneficial to all when it is up and running. Good work!!
ReplyDeleteThanks MsB, but that wasn't something I really cared to be. Will be a lot more stuff than I care to do, but I'll give it a try.
ReplyDeleteDD I guess out of 22 people showing and only two getting ticked off and leaving that wasn't bad. There are a few others that have expressed interest and more may join up later so maybe we can make a difference. A lot of real good ideals were discussed.
Tffnguy,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations "Captain"!!!!
I hate when people don't get their way, have attitude and leave. You're better off without them. It's very nice to hear you're recieving donations on equipment and material.
Sandy, fire departments run by cities (Non volunteer) are required to get new fire suits respirators and so on every three years so the old ones are donated to volunteer fire departments because they are not bound by that law. There is also equipment donated by the Texas forest service and again from other fire departments that have updated their equipment.
ReplyDeleteSort of a win win situation for us. Yes I think it was better to get the attitudes out early on.
I think you have a long way to go, but at least your on the right trail! Good luck, and let us know about any fundraisers you have.
ReplyDeleteSUERTE, yes a long way to go and if tempers from a few people keep flaring it may fall to pieces before it ever gets going good.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely true David. We need to work together as a TEAM to get his done, not let personal grievances get in the way.
ReplyDeleteSounds like ya'll are getting all civilized up there!
ReplyDeleteNext thing ya know, you'll be having a mayor! Just joking! I think the Fire Fighters is a very good thing and the fact it's all volunteers...well, that's pretty cool!
Friends and neighbors helping one another! That's what it's all about!
HJ, the way things are going around here you may be right about a mayor. New people buying land and putting cabins on it all the time. The nearest fire department / EMS is about 28 miles from here and they aren't really familiar with this area so we're basically unprotected.
ReplyDeleteWe're still moving down full time and I would love to help. Looks like our move in date is moving up all the time too. Hoping to be there within the next 6-9 months.
ReplyDeleteI'm 31 and have some wildland firefighting experience from my time as a volunteer in Colorado. I'll gladly serve the community without politics, titles, or ego standing in my way - you just let me know what i'm needed for.
Give me a shout and let me know how I can help. Even from here... I make my living online so could help with the website, or other stuff like that.
Chris Miller
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