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2011-4 Remembrances Special EditionCity of Schertz Remembrances Publication Special Edition 2011-4 Presented by: Schertz Historical Preservation Committee Schertz Volunteer Fire Department – Volunteerism at Its Best Most would agree that volunteerism is a good and noble thing. The degree to which volunteers make a difference in the communities they serve varies with the missions they support. The first tier of nobility associated with a volunteer’s involvement would be our military service members who willingly offer their lives in protection of our own. A close second to the military might be the thousands of volunteer fire fighters who day by day place their safety at stake to protect lives and property within their communities. Volunteer fire departments exist throughout our rural communities and Schertz had its own volunteer fire department from February 1956 through 2001. The Schertz Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) began with an organizational meeting held on February 8, 1956, called by twelve local business leaders who understood the need for better fire protection for the town. There were representatives from Cibolo at that first meeting in hopes of forming a department that could serve both communities. The Cibolo representatives soon decided to create their own fire department and left Schertz to pursue their own department. The first board of directors and fire chief were elected and the work of the SVFD began. Archie Woodward was chosen as the first Fire Chief. Archie had prior fire fighting experience with the Randolph Air Force Base Fire Department. The first order of business for the department was to locate a place for the fire station. Richard Schertz and his son Ottmar donated property across the street from the Schertz Bank for the fire station. The same building (now occupied by the Randolph Reality Co.) served as the first City Hall at the same time as it served as a fire station. In 1958, volunteer fire fighters constructed the first fire truck placed in service. The truck was first housed in the Sinclair Service Station at the corner of First Street and Hwy. 78. Fire fighters purchased their own hats and boots. Training was a priority for the new department and it was not until 1973 that all of the department’s staff was certified by the State of Texas. Purchase of any kind of fire fighting equipment required much volunteer effort by not just the volunteer fire fighters but also their spouses who formed the fire fighter’s ladies auxiliary on March 30, 1959. By May 1959, the auxiliary had a total membership of 46. The ladies began their work by becoming certified in first aid. Thereafter, they aided in the general comfort of the firer fighters by providing on-scene refreshments during the long duration of grass and structural fires. The original President of the ladies auxiliary was Lula Mae Schertz. She was supported by 1st Vice President Mary Jane Brigham, 2nd Vice President Viola Kramer, Secretary Margie Lenz, and Treasurer Nadine Reicherzer. Social events (SVFD suppers) and the summer picnics were planned and executed by the ladies. The ladies were great supporters of the SVFD men’s and women’s pumper team race events each year. Throughout SVFD’s life the auxiliary women supported the fighter fighters morally and financially. SVFD Ladies Auxiliary SVFD Building and City Hall Meeting – Lula Mae Schertz Corner Main St. and First Street President, presiding In 1970, the SVFD moved its operation from First and Main Streets to 604 Schertz Parkway. The new location was made possible by a building donation from Volkswagen Automobile Co. and much self-help renovation work by fire fighters. A new pumper truck was also added in 1970. Several other important equipment purchases were made in the 1970s. By 1982, a full time paid fire chief (Ed Melton) was on staff along with one paid fire fighter. By 1986, the paid fire fighting staff was up to two members. In 1991, Johnny Joe Woodward (son of Archie) was named Fire Chief and served in that capacity until 2001. Elroy Friesenhahn assumed command of the department in 2001 and completed the transformation from a volunteer organization to a full time, career department. In 2001, the fire department made its most recent move to 1400 Schertz Parkway where they are located today. The men and women who served as fire fighter volunteers and auxiliary supporters gave much to their community throughout the years of their service. Lives and property were saved because of their willingness to give of their time and talent to the cause of public safety in the Schertz community. The names of those who served are too extensive to list here. However, the history of this dedicated group of volunteer citizens deserves to be preserved and recounted from time-to-time as a reminder of the importance of community development through volunteerism. Thanks to all for their service.