BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.
It’s 2 a.m., and Lt. Laurie Shelton’s phone goes off as she rolls out of bed to respond to a Dripping Springs structure fire.
After driving to the fire station, she dons her gear and rushes a firetruck to the scene. Thankfully, due to the fast response and collaboration between the career and volunteer firefighters, the fire is extinguished and the home saved.
This is one example of how North Hays County Fire Rescue (NHCFR) volunteer firefighters protect our community. NHCFR is a combination department with more than 60 volunteers and dozens more career firefighters serving side by side, exemplifying professionalism and unity.
Volunteers take weekly shifts, staff stations when career firefighters are overwhelmed, and respond to large incidents. When seconds count, they bring additional resources and manpower to emergencies, allowing neighboring agencies to remain in their districts.
We’re thankful for their legacy of courage and commitment. Here are a few of their stories…
CHIEF FELKEL
Former Chief Joe Felkel is NHCFR’s longest-serving active member. Starting as a missionary’s son, Felkel has spent most of his life serving in Congo. “There is no higher service than helping other people,” he says. In 1993, Felkel moved with his wife and children from Africa to Dripping Springs and joined the fire department.
He says, “I’ve missed birthdays, concerts, anniversaries…” On one of those occasions, he was gone for three days, extinguishing a one-thousand-acre grassfire. Felkel’s children acknowledge today that they have no regrets and tell their father “People needed you more than we did.”
Before NHCFR expanded to hiring career firefighters in 2007, Felkel explains, “It didn’t matter how tired you were, we volunteers responded to calls because we knew no one else would.”
CHIEF LOVE
Chief Bob Love, one of NHCFR’s four chiefs, owns a consulting firm and volunteers to be on call a couple of nights each week for the department. On a dark Monday evening in 1995, Love visited the fire station in town. Twenty-eight years later, the rest is history.
Love’s dedication to his community does not go unnoticed. In 2016, Love received the nationwide “Step Out and Stand Up” award, presented by five national fire organizations, in recognition of exemplary service. He humbly deflected the praise to his beloved team of volunteers, “They are the salt of the earth, a very diverse group, and the nicest, hardest-working people you’ll ever meet.”
“It’s serious business, but we’re a family. Our volunteers represent Dripping Springs, most with full-time jobs and families who support them tirelessly.”
LT. SHELTON
Eight years ago, Lt. Laurie Shelton’s neighbor’s hay bale caught on fire. After extinguishing it, the firefighters began to remove their bunker gear, revealing a graphic tee, suit and tie, and other attire each had on underneath. She learned they showed up that day to serve without pay and remembers, “That is the height of service, and it stuck with me.”
Shortly thereafter Shelton, a veterinarian, joined. “I fell in love with the people and mission. It’s a different way to experience your community, helping people on their worst day. For me, it’s the small moments, human connection, and helping your neighbor.”
NHCFR career and volunteer firefighters respond to approximately 3,000 emergency calls annually. Members train weekly with many additional educational opportunities. Shelton leads internal fire academies for new members. Love comments, “Many of our career firefighters and officers started as volunteers here. We see our volunteers going on to serve in leadership in the surrounding cities. It all started with a Monday night training for each of them. It’s exciting to see them all develop.”
This force is dedicated, with many volunteering weekly for years to take shifts while the community sleeps. “There’s no way to give everyone the credit they deserve,” Shelton expresses. “There’s something for everybody here. We need people to drive, pump trucks, rescue, fight wildland fires, respond to medical calls, support technologically… If you’re the least bit interested, stop by on a Monday night.”
The rest may just become history.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
- Become a volunteer firefighter. NHCFR is always looking for new members to serve in the community. NorthHaysFire.com
- Rehabilitate firefighters during fires. During large incidents, volunteers with Community Emergency Response Team provide rehab and support for emergency responders. HaysCountyCert.com
- Meet your local firefighters. With nine stations from Henly to Belterra, Driftwood to Fitzhugh, tour a station and thank responders for their sacrifice. Invite NHCFR to your school, church, event or business to educate the community.