News

Dear Northern Brown County, TX Property Owners:

We, the Members of the May Volunteer Fire Department, are writing this letter to you for several reasons. First, we want to inform you of our current state of affairs and progress made in late 2005 and 2006. Secondly, we are asking for your support. We realize that you may not live in this immediate area, but we also know that you own property in our area of coverage for which we fight fires and manage emergency incidents of various natures.

As all of you are aware, the end of 2005 and much of 2006 were horrific years for grass fires throughout Texas. Through our Mutual Aid Agreements with surrounding Counties, we assisted in fighting fires not only in Brown County, but also Eastland, Comanche, and Callahan Counties. The May VFD fought fires covering nearly 39,000 acres during this time. We also were called out on 7 Emergency Medical Calls, 2 Structural Fires and 2 serious Vehicle Accidents - Approximate Number of Call-Outs: 40. In addition to responding to these many call-outs, our Firemen attended a total of 191 hours of Training on their own time, which included the following courses: Healthcare Provider Course, First Aid/Heartsaver Course, Helicopter Landing Zone Training, Wildland Urban Interface Training, National Weather Service Severe Weather Spotter Training, Driver Intersection Safety Training and Driver Operator Safety Training, the Texas A&M 52nd Annual Abilene Area Fire Control Conference Fire Science Training, and National Incident Management NIMS-ICS 100 & ICS 700. [The Department of Homeland Security/FEMA is now mandating that all Fire Departments (Professional and Volunteer) be trained in the Incident Command System (ICS) and this is an ongoing educational requirement of our Members.] We also are working on becoming registered with ISO-Insurance Service Office, Inc. which oversees the State's Fire Suppression Rating Schedule - this will affect everyone's home insurance rates in this area - a process that takes between 9 months and 1 year to become certified and registered. We are group of Volunteers who donate our time not only during emergencies but also the time for training - because we are responsible for an area of approximately 125 square miles covering almost 600 Homes and approximately 1800 People. This area also includes the May Independent School District as well as three Churches and several businesses and dairies, thousands of farm animals and millions of dollars in farm equipment.

During 2006, the May VFD received our usual Annual Allotment from Brown County in the amount of $2,600 which is funding from Ad Valorem Taxes (Property Taxes). We also received a one-time Texas Forest Service (TFS) Grant for $2500 for our fuel expense during the Cross Plains Fire. TFS also awarded us two grants for Personal Protective Equipment: 5 pair of Nomex Coveralls (Nomex Coveralls cost between $185 and $220 - TFS pays up to 90%) and two sets of Bunker Gear (a full set of Bunker Gear includes the Coat, Pants, Boots, Helmet & Hood, Gloves & Suspenders & a Bag $998 - TFS pays 75%), as well as two Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA's) which are forthcoming (TFS pays 75% up to $3225) . With approximately 18 active members, this TFS Funding does not supply all of our Members who need personal protective equipment with enough firefighting gear. We were also awarded a $3500 grant from the Beadel Foundation. Local citizens donated almost $19,600 and our two Fundraiser's brought in another $10,700. Your using the new Kroger Share Cards brought in approximately $125 this last quarter, which may not amount to much, but every little bit helps. Total Revenues: $ 38,150. All of these State, County and Foundation dollars are appreciated and greatly needed - but the majority of our funds come from your generous contributions (51%) and we need your continued help in 2007.

Our expenses for 2006 were approximately $32,600, with the greatest expenses for Truck Repairs and Maintenance - $15,134 (we have one newer 2004 Ford Truck - but most of our equipment is much older and requires a great deal of maintenance & repairs). After that, our Radio Equipment came in at $4453 and our Safety Equipment amounted to approximately $650. Auto/Property/Building/General Liability Insurance was almost $3100 and our Gasoline/Diesel fuel bill was $2350. The remainder of our expenses include telephone, gas utilities, electricity, inspection fees, office supplies and the cost of maintaining the pagers - all of this amounted to approximately $3928. The one good thing is that we are exempt from Sales Taxes and Property Taxes. These figures do not begin to calculate the out-of-pocket expenses each Fireman incurred when he drives his own vehicle to the Fires; many of the Fireman pay for their own tuition for training; some purchase their own fire gear and all Firemen who have Radios pay for their own radios (actual cost of a Radio is $228).

Current status on our trucks and equipment: The 5-ton used Military Truck donated from the Texas Forest Service is almost finished now. We have also installed a Base Radio Station at the Fire Station (in cases of wildfires or other emergencies, and you need information - go to the Fire Station to keep posted - do not go to the scene unless you are well trained, well equipped and can really assist). Due to a generous donation from the Rising Star Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary, we were able to purchase an AED-Automated External Defibrillator ($1200). We purchased a used Refrigerator to replace the one that went out and we were also given a good used Washer and Dryer to use to wash our fire gear. We also received a donation from the City of Brownwood of an 18,000 gallon metal water storage tank that will enable us to draw water from our own well and not deplete the May Water Supply during times of extreme water usage. This tank will be installed when weather permits.

Even though we have had good rains so far this year, keep in mind we are called out for vehicle accidents, house fires and individuals needing immediate medical attention. Currently, we need to purchase new safety equipment for many of our members and we have a few new members that do not have any personal protective equipment. The air conditioner at the Fire Station may not make another season so that is an upcoming purchase we anticipate having to make. We do our best to find good, used items, but that is not always possible. Our Fire Station Building is well over 50 years old and many repairs are desperately needed - but with limited funds, we hesitate to do any more than what is just absolutely necessary. As for training, we will be sending several of our Members to more training to help build our effectiveness in times of emergency. Our community is growing and we have to grow as well to keep up with the demands. So in summation, we need your continued support.

When you think about all the requests for contributions and donations you receive in the coming months, please do not forget about your local May Volunteer Fire Department who serve you directly - every penny you donate is used in the May area and surrounding communities and every cent can be accounted for and is used to operate this Volunteer Fire Department. When you dial 9-1-1, we are the First Responders you are depending on, as well as our Equipment and our Training to meet your immediate emergency needs. We have enclosed a self-addressed envelope for your convenience.

If you have any questions about the May Volunteer Fire Department, please feel free to contact one of our Fire Fighters. Our meetings are usually held on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm, and everyone wishing to attend is welcome. If you would like a full financial accounting for 2006, please contact our Secretary/Treasurer. If you would like to join, please come to a meeting - even if you do not wish to fight fires, your help is needed in other areas as well - medical assistance, equipment maintenance, fire station support, radio operator support, food and water hauling, clerical and administrative support. Thank you for your time.

In Service to our Friends and Neighbors, we are:

Bo E. Allen, Fire Chief

Steve Howard, Assistant Fire Chief

Henry Orr, President

Jeff Phillips, Vice-President

Valerie R. Kelton, Secretary/Treasurer

Bruce Landes, Sergeant-at-Arms

Brian Holmes

Loyd Tischler

James Whiteley

Bill Murphree

Donny Graves

Mark Hanson

David Hefner

Joel Kelton

Shane Kelton

Todd Kilgo

Kevin Mote

Doc Murphree

Ron Meador, Medical

Richard Gibson, Radio Technician

Tori Mote, Auxiliary Assistance

Leah Phillips, Auxiliary Assistance