Schroeder volunteers raise money for new engine
Mark and Tracy Wood embrace at a fire department benefit in Schroeder.
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SCHROEDER - Volunteer firefighters fired up the barbecue pits Sunday at their signature benefit to raise money for a new engine.
"It doesn't get any better than this," said Larry Ormsby, fire chief. "Everybody does their part no matter what their part is. You don't have to be out fighting fires."
On Oct. 1, the department received a $155,000 grant from the Texas Forest Service to purchase the engine. The department is hoping to raise about $15,000 to purchase a new engine.
Ormsby said the truck will help the department to better serve citizens.
"In the past few years they've come to count on us," Ormsby said. "They know if they call on us we'll be there for them 24/7, day or night."
The fire department is in its fifth year and many residents will say the volunteers' presence has changed the climate of the community.
"To me, it's brought a lot of people together," said Mark Wood, a volunteer. Wood has three children and a full-time job working in a machine shop but still makes time to serve.
"It's just like being in a family. Everybody looks out for each other," added Wood's wife, Tracy.
Although the department has 15 responders, it has a wide base of support. About 200 people are members of the department and work to raise money for training and equipment.
"That is just as important as the work we do as getting on the fire truck," said Kathryn Ormsby, Larry Ormsby's wife. "I don't care if they're 80 years old. They donate to the most of their capabilities, and they hold nothing back."
Edna Martin, 86, doesn't ride a fire truck, but bakes and cooks for the cause.
"I just love to do it in my spare time," she said, hovering near the baked goods. Although she's never had to use the department's services, she's thankful they're close by.
"I think it's wonderful," she said. "That's why I want to help, so we can keep our community safe."
