Fifteen Bluebonnet employees are committed to community service through their work with volunteer fire departments and first responder units

Story by Connie Juarez • Photos by Sarah Beal

Russell Tiner and his wife were dressed and ready to leave their home in Lockhart to head out for their 20th wedding anniversary dinner. Then his pager went off. 

The call wasn’t about his job as a lineworker at Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative. 

VIEW THIS STORY AS IT APPEARS IN THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE OF TEXAS CO-OP POWER MAGAZINE

This was about a fire in the grain and corn bins at Livengood Feeds in Lockhart. Instead of celebrating over a meal,

Tiner spent hours unloading corn and knocking back hot spots alongside the Lockhart Fire Rescue crew. 

“My wife understood,” he said with a laugh about that event 16 years ago. “We never made it to dinner that night.”

Tiner has worked for Bluebonnet for 27 years. As a journeyman lineworker, he builds and maintains power lines and restores electric service. 

He has also volunteered as a firefighter for the last 36 years, 25 of them as a certified emergency medical technician with Lockhart Fire Rescue and Mid-County Fire/Rescue. The departments cover 72 square miles between Luling and Lockhart in Caldwell County. Lockhart Fire Rescue, in operation for more than 135 years, has 17 firefighters, and Mid-County, founded in 1983, has 16. 

Tiner contributes about 20 hours of volunteer service each month, assisting with some of the approximately 40 calls the two departments receive monthly. He has battled grass fires, applied tourniquets and treated severe wounds.  

His expertise with Bluebonnet’s electric infrastructure has been an asset during emergency responses. If power lines are down around a structure fire or car wreck, he can quickly assess the scene and disconnect power before other first responders arrive. “I hear the call, and I’ll pull up right behind them,” Tiner said. “I can make the scene safe and get people where they need to be. Responders in Caldwell County have come to know me for that.” 

The Bluebonnet region is served by more than 100 first-responder divisions, agencies, districts and teams, with origins dating back as far as 1848. Fifteen Bluebonnet employees, including Tiner, volunteer with a dozen fire departments and emergency units spread across the cooperative’s 3,800-square-mile service area.  

By day — and sometimes night — they restore electricity and ensure homes, farms and businesses have power. When duty calls, they put on another uniform and come to the aid of their communities. Their work stretches from Lockhart to Giddings, from Milano in Milam County to Carmine in Fayette County.   

For residents in Bluebonnet’s rural service area — where larger fire departments or ambulance services may be miles away — help often comes from hundreds of local volunteer first responders ready to save lives and protect property.

“Volunteers are the lifeblood and the first line of defense for emergency management response, whether that's a fire or a medical emergency,” said James Altgelt, coordinator of Bastrop County’s Office of Emergency Management. “Volunteer fire departments arrive quickly, bring every resource they have and often stop a situation from becoming catastrophic.” 

Restoring electricity and responding to emergencies require similar mindsets, skills and commitments to the job. Both require keen situational awareness, strict safety protocols, teamwork under pressure and technical skills. Whether climbing poles in a storm or stabilizing a patient at a crash scene, these employees bring the same precision and dedication to every call. 

“We’re incredibly proud of the number of employees who show up when their communities need them most, serving as volunteer first responders outside of work,” said Eric Kocian, Bluebonnet’s chief engineer/systems operations officer.

“Safety is a top priority for Bluebonnet. That commitment carries over beyond the workplace — these individuals take the same care and focus when volunteering, ensuring neighbors stay safe. That deep sense of duty and service is who we are. Safety, commitment and community are at the heart of everything we do.” 

Another journeyman lineworker, Rudy Garcia, has been at Bluebonnet for 30 years and a volunteer firefighter for 31. Garcia, who lives in Giddings, serves as assistant chief of the Giddings Fire Department’s 34 active members. Most are volunteers; two are paid firefighters. In 2025, the department responded to about 370 calls, mostly vehicle accidents and grass or structure fires. 

Linework and firefighting require planning and the ability to assess many aspects of a situation. “You can’t get tunnel vision. Just like at Bluebonnet, you get a call, and you don’t know what it is,” Garcia said. “Same with fire. You have to clear your head, figure out whether people are still inside, how you’re going to approach it and who’s going to be on the nozzle.”  

Garcia remembers one particularly difficult call in 2015. It was around 7 on a chilly April morning, just after a downpour.

His fire department responded to a vehicle crash and water rescue at Yegua Creek in Lincoln. A driver had been trapped inside his semi-truck cab after it rolled off  Texas Highway 21 into the rushing creek. Fifteen firefighters from the Giddings department and about 10 from Lincoln VFD worked together on the rescue. “We tied 100-foot-long ropes around ourselves so we wouldn’t get swept away,” Garcia recalled. “We cut the roof off the truck, used the Jaws of Life to pry open the door and pulled him to safety. He was not injured at all.” 

Others bring teamwork skills they hone at Bluebonnet to their volunteer firefighting work. Scott Iselt, who lives in Fedor, is a project manager in Bluebonnet’s engineering department and has been with the cooperative 20 years. He has served with the Fedor Volunteer Fire Department for three decades. The department covers a 46-square-mile rural area in north-central Lee County south of Lexington.  

“Most of the calls we respond to are grass fires, some motor vehicle accidents and a lot of traffic control,” Iselt said. With 15 volunteer firefighters, knowing a team’s limitations is key. “Often, our response team is just two men — one driver, one working the hose.”

That makes mutual aid and radio coordination important. Iselt’s previous background training with the Texas Department of Public Safety enhances his ability to interact with the public during incidents. “This translates to effective traffic management and clear, authoritative communication with people at emergency scenes,” he said. Whether working to restore power for Bluebonnet or responding to a fire, Iselt said, safety requires keeping everyone on the same page and maintaining good teamwork. 

Jason Carmean has been a Bluebonnet employee for 32 years. He is a lineworker crew supervisor and lives in Carmine, where he has been a part of the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years. The department, established in 1890, has 16 active volunteers. The small community straddles U.S. 290 in Fayette County north of Round Top. Carmean was fire chief there for six years, and has seen nearly every type of emergency, from farm accidents to oil well incidents.  

He recalled stabilizing an injured passenger who was trapped inside a vehicle after a crash. “I crawled into the back seat, held his neck, gave oxygen and kept him stable until STAR Flight arrived.” Doctors later told Carmean that without his patience and support, the patient could have been paralyzed. 

For Carmean, safety is a priority in both linework and first-responder work. “At Bluebonnet, I supervise crews and make sure they’re safe. It’s the same on fire calls. Leadership and awareness carry over both ways.” 

That sense of responsibility isn’t 
limited to the job site — it extends to every fire call. For Garcia, the connection between leading crews and answering emergency calls runs deep, rooted in a lifelong passion for helping others.
Garcia’s interest in emergency response started as a child growing up in South Texas, where he watched the fire station near his school. “When the sirens would go off, I’d go to the window and look. I was like, ‘You know, I want to be a fireman.’ ” 

Years later, a friend encouraged him to join the Giddings Fire Department. 

Tiner’s path to emergency services began when he was 5, and a neighbor’s house in Austin caught on fire. A child was trapped inside, and Tiner watched fire trucks race to the scene. “I watched a fireman go in and come back out with that baby in his hands. Everything turned out all right, but I never forgot that,” he said. 

The Bluebonnet employees shared their desire to help neighbors and give back to the places they call home. They have a chance to make a real difference, protect property and save lives.  

Balancing full-time work at Bluebonnet with volunteer work requires personal and family sacrifices. Long nights, interrupted holidays and early mornings are common. Tiner recalls one Christmas morning when a call came in: “We were gathered around the tree, opening presents, and I got a call for a fire on San Antonio Street in Lockhart. My wife looked at me and said, ‘Let’s go.’ My family loaded up in the family truck with me. The kids brought their stockings and opened them on the way.”   

For Iselt, volunteering in his community of Fedor, 17 miles northwest of Giddings in Lee County, has even meant responding to a family member’s emergency. One night in 2017, he recalled, his crew was called to provide a landing spot for a medevac helicopter.  When Iselt got the address, he realized it was the home of his uncle, whom he learned was unresponsive after a fall. “We raced over there, prepared the landing zone — finding a spot free of power lines, trees and cars — then fenced off the perimeter with our trucks,” he said. “It was pitch dark, but I helped get him safely onto the helicopter.” 

Before he heads out on a call, Garcia has a little ritual. “I always give my wife, Amber, a kiss. It's not just a sentimental gesture. In this line of volunteer work there is always some risk involved.” 

A first responder may face a set of challenges that can hit harder than those of a lineworker — situations that are often unsettling. Carmean has learned how to manage the pressure of emergency response while staying focused and grounded. “I tell my teams that you can respond to calls and come back without carrying the weight of it with you,” he said.   

For particularly traumatic emergency response situations, support is available to first responders, he said. Carmean has learned ways to cope. “When I leave, I leave it behind,” he said. His emergency response training has given him tools to stay calm, even on the toughest calls. 

Community support keeps fire departments equipped, but the bonds among responders keep them going. 

“It takes a certain kind of person to do this work,” Carmean said. “You have to be willing to get up in the middle of the night or suit up in 104-degree weather after a full day’s work — for no pay. But the camaraderie makes it worth it. The fire department is like a brotherhood, just like the linemen at Bluebonnet.”  

There’s a larger calling at the heart of volunteer work that has carried these volunteers through decades of responding to calls that could be dangerous. “I actually have a passion for this,” Garcia said. “To me, it’s always felt like a God-given talent. This is why I’m still able to do it after all these years.” 

 

DOUBLE DUTIES

15 Bluebonnet employees volunteer with fire departments and first-responder units

SHAWN BIGON

Apprentice lineworker

Years at Bluebonnet: 3

Volunteer: Assistant chief, South Lee County Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 14

“I joined the fire department to help protect my community. My favorite memory is entering my first structure fire and putting all the training I went through to use.”

 

 

MICHAEL BLAND

Engineering inspector

Years at Bluebonnet: 2

Volunteer: Battalion chief, Bastrop County Emergency Services District No. 2

Years of service: 15

"It has been a great experience getting to know many people in the community, being part of the best volunteer department in Texas and serving with the greatest volunteers in the country.”

 

 

KYLE KASPER

Lineworker crew supervisor

Years at Bluebonnet: 20

Volunteer: Firefighter, South Lee County Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 18

“Between being on call for Bluebonnet and all the other things going on, it can be hard to find time for everything — but we do our best to make it work.”

 

 

 

ERIN KIESCHNICK

New service operations supervisor

Years at Bluebonnet: 15

Volunteer: Board member, former secretary, Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 10

“At work, we often talk about wearing many hats — and volunteering is no different. Whether it’s directing traffic, organizing volunteers or showing up on scene with water and food, you step up where you’re needed.”

 

 

KYLE KIESCHNICK

Substation construction project manager

Years at Bluebonnet: 7

Volunteer: Captain, Lincoln Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 18

“Managing time is a constant juggling act. Lots of late nights, early mornings and staying focused during the day.”

 

 

LOGAN LANCASTER

Lineworker crew supervisor

Years at Bluebonnet: 12

Volunteer: Fedor Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 8

"Someone asked me if I would be willing to help out, and I was willing to do what was needed to raise funds to support the department.”

 

 

JUSTIN LEWIS

Apprentice lineworker

Years at Bluebonnet: 3

Volunteer: Firefighter, Ellinger Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 1.5

"Bluebonnet is a very community-friendly organization. I get a good feeling of helping others when I restore power, and I get that same feeling when helping individuals in the community while volunteering.”

 

 

BRIAN MITSCHKE

Technical services superintendent

Years at Bluebonnet: 21

Volunteer: Firefighter, Dime Box Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 10

“I assisted first responders when a wreck occurred right in front of me one day many years ago and have volunteered with Dime Box VFD ever since.”

 

 

PHILIP THARP

Journeyman lineworker

Years at Bluebonnet: 11

Volunteer: Firefighter and cook, South Lee County Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 15

“There really is no time management as a first responder. If you can go to a call, you go.”

 

 

BRYAN WOODS

Lineworker crew supervisor

Years at Bluebonnet: 3

Volunteer: Firefighter, Milano Volunteer Fire Department

Years of service: 9

“Some moments are tough, but there’s plenty of good ones too. Once I pulled a lady out of a flipped car, and she hugged me and said I was an angel.”

 

 

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER?

PREREQUISITES

• Be 18 or older
• Have a high school diploma or GED
• Live or work within a reasonable distance of the desired fire station
• Maintain a valid Texas driver’s license and satisfactory driving record
• Pass a background check, drug test and physical examination

TO APPLY

• Contact your local fire department to learn about volunteer openings 
• and other application requirements
• Complete an application
• Participate in an interview, if required

TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION

• Attend basic training sessions, through either the fire station 
• or a fire academy
• Earn Texas Commission on Fire Protection firefighter certification •
• Obtain emergency medical technician (EMT) certification, if required
•  

LOCAL SUPPORT POWERS VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Volunteer fire and emergency departments across Bluebonnet’s service area depend on the people around them for support. That often comes in the form of fundraisers that combine food and social connection.

For many Texans, the volunteer fire department fish fry is a much-loved tradition.

The Fedor Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry occurs annually on the fourth Saturday of September at the Old Picnic Grounds in Fedor. “Our little community goes from a couple hundred to around 2,000,” Scott Iselt said. “We’ve got an auction, a live band and a country store selling baked goods. The event really keeps the department running.”

The Carmine VFD hosts an annual fried chicken drive-through and raffle in July at its station that draws thousands of people every year. Jason Carmean and others in the department rely on such events to help pay for equipment, training and other essential needs.

The Giddings Fire Department also organizes popular community fundraisers. Each September, the weekend before Sept. 11, firefighters host their Patriot Day BBQ Cook-off at Firemen’s Park. They also hold a Fourth of July barbecue and fireworks celebration.

These departments also rely heavily on donations from individuals and businesses. Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative supports local fire departments through financial grants. In October 2025, the cooperative’s Board of Directors awarded $1,000 grants to each of the 64 departments across its 14-county service area.

Several departments, including Mid-County Fire/Rescue and the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department, have received support through Community Development Partnership Program grants given by Bluebonnet and the Lower Colorado River Authority. Those grants help area volunteer fire departments, emergency responders and other nonprofit groups pay for capital improvement projects such as purchases of vehicles, emergency generators and vehicle extrication tools.

 

TIPS FOR EMERGENCY FIRST AID

You don’t have to be a trained first responder to know some basic first-aid steps for home, work or elsewhere. One of the most important things you can do is keep well-stocked first-aid kits in your home and vehicle — so you’re ready to respond quickly if needed. Follow these tips to keep yourself and others safe.

1

Call 911 immediately if you believe someone needs medical attention. Before you provide first aid to someone else, keep yourself safe by evaluating the scene of an incident and the area around someone who needs first aid or medical attention.

2

When providing first aid, wear personal protective equipment
such as gloves, masks and goggles.

3

If there are others around, delegate tasks to ensure the best help is provided.

4

Check to see whether the person is breathing, has a pulse and is responsive. If not, and you have certified training, start CPR. Rotate the work of CPR among others who are certified, if possible, to avoid exhaustion.

5

If you think someone is in contact with a source of electricity and is being shocked, first call 911, then unplug the device or shut off electricity at the breaker. Do not touch the person in contact with electricity.

6

 Stop minor bleeding
by applying pressure using sterile bandages or cloths.

7

Use the RICE method for sprains or suspected fractures:

• REST the injured area
• ICE to reduce swelling
• COMPRESS with a bandage
• ELEVATE limb to minimize swelling

8

If someone has a minor burn:

• Run cool water over the affected area for at least 10 minutes.
• Do not apply ice.
• Loosely cover the burn with a clean, nonstick dressing.
• Call 911 for a more severe burn.

 

Five safety tips for winter weather

Winter weather can be unpredictable in Central Texas, especially in January and February. Temperatures can quickly swing from mild to freezing. Cold snaps and icy conditions can last for hours or stretch on for days. Here are five ways to stay safe during a Texas cold snap:

1

Trust the warnings, not your windshield: Things may look fine, but icy conditions could be headed your way. Regularly check weather forecasts: Use multiple sources — a trusted local TV or radio station, a weather app and emergency alerts — so you aren't caught off guard.

2

Dress in layers: Start with a moisture-wicking base, add an insulating middle layer like fleece or flannel and top it off with a wind- and waterproof jacket. Wear gloves and warm socks, along with a knit cap and headband or neck gaiter.

3

Avoid driving on icy roads: The best plan is to not drive, but if you must, remember ice is a particularly dangerous road hazard in Texas. Ice can form quickly and be hard to see — especially on bridges. Go slow, brake gently, avoid sudden moves and plan for longer travel times.

4

Keep your vehicle winter-ready: Keep the gas tank at least half full and stock the vehicle with a few cold-weather items, such as bottled water, snacks, a blanket, a phone charger, a flashlight and an ice scraper; share travel plans with loved ones.

5

Prepare your home and yourself:
You probably know the three P’s:
Protect pipes, pets and plants. Stay safe
by watching your step, wearing the right shoes and avoiding getting wet or staying outside too long.

 

For more tips, go to texasready.gov/be-informed or bluebonnet.coop/winter-tips.

From sheriff’s officers to firefighters, dispatchers to emergency medical workers, these are on the front lines in their communities

By Kirsten Tyler and Connie Juarez  •  Photos by Sarah Beal

They are the calm voices answering the 911 calls, the drivers with flashing lights that puncture the darkness and the steady hands of those who arrive to help in a crisis.  

In Central Texas, where neighbors may live miles apart and hospitals could be far away, first responders are the lifelines that encircle the residents of Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative’s service area. 

From sheriff’s officers to firefighters, dispatchers to emergency medical workers, these men and women are on our front lines, well-trained and deeply committed to the
communities they live in and serve.  

There are more than 100 first responder divisions, agencies, districts and teams in the Bluebonnet region, with origins tracing back to as early as 1848. Their members undergo hours of certification training and continuing education in order to respond to the range of emergencies they face — fires, vehicle accidents, crimes and life-threatening illness. 

It is not just their job: It is a calling to show up and support neighbors in what may be their greatest time of need. 

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative is proud to support the people who make our communities safer and stronger. They are a reflection of these places we call home.

BRENHAM FIRE DEPARTMENT

Washington County

Training happens daily for members of the Brenham Fire Department. Blane Bolcerek of Brenham, left, a firefighter for two years, watches as Coltin Whitaker of La Grange, a three-year firefighter, uses a striking tool to break a plexiglass window during a ventilation drill. The exercise, simulating fire conditions using nontoxic fog, is part
of a regular rotation of drills that includes searches, forcible entry through doors and vehicle extrication. Whitaker said this drill is his favorite. The 31-person fire department responds to more than 1,200 calls a year in the city
of Brenham, with an average response time of about 8 minutes. “Aside from a sports team, there’s nowhere you get the camaraderie and teamwork,” said Chief Mark Donovan, who brings more than 40 years of experience to the role. Daily training includes two hours of classroom instruction and drills, led by Assistant Chief David Cella, a fourth-generation firefighter. 

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY HIGHWAY PATROL

Lee County

Cpl. James McCoy, left, and Sgt. Jeremy Weiser are among eight Texas state troopers in Lee County. They enforce laws on highways, investigate crashes, work with local law enforcement on emergency response and educate the community, including talking to students about safe driving practices. Weiser, who oversees daily operations from the Giddings area, says visiting schools is rewarding. Troopers visit campuses in the Lee County area. They give young children the chance to explore patrol vehicles and turn on sirens; at high schools, troopers focus on safe driving. ‘‘We want kids to see we’re approachable, that law enforcement isn’t something to be afraid of. We're here to help,’’ Weiser said. He and McCoy, both Giddings High School graduates, are committed to the community and working to make Lee County safer, one mile at a time.

TEXAS A&M FOREST SERVICE, SMITHVILLE TASK FORCE

Bastrop County

The firefighters of the Smithville Task Force respond to calls far beyond Smithville. The 12-member Texas A&M Forest Service crew serves 16 Texas counties and sometimes other parts of the state. When conditions allow, task force members also make themselves available to support firefighters across the nation. Collin Woodland, task force coordinator, has led responses to more than 30 calls a year. ‘‘This job is challenging. We operate in an ever-changing environment and interact with people at possibly one of the worst times of their lives,’’ Woodland said. ‘‘Seeing all the emotions a person can have teaches you how to handle delicate situations.’’ Texas A&M Forest Service members complete courses on wildland fire weather, firefighting and leadership skills, and continue their education with hands-on training. Above, Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Parks & Wildlife team members practice connecting a hover sling, which carries and drops supplies into hard-to-reach areas.

FRELSBURG VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Colorado County

Relying on pagers, cell phones, truck radios and other handheld devices, the 24 firefighters of Frelsburg Volunteer Fire Department respond to an average of 60 calls a year, all relayed to them by Colorado County’s 911 dispatchers. Those calls include brush fires, vehicle accidents, illnesses and injuries. ‘‘The most challenging part of the job is the physical and emotional toll,’’ said Fire Chief Dennis Ricicar. “But being able to bring light to others in times of darkness makes it all worth it.’’ Major the Dalmatian, the department’s unofficial mascot, sits on Frelsburg’s primary engine. The dog was added to the family in 2025 by Ricicar’s son, Tim, who is also a firefighter. Major participates in community events and poses for photos.

GONZALES COUNTY EMERGENCY SERVICES DISTRICT NO. 1

Gonzales County

In 1989, voters established the Gonzales County Emergency Services District No. 1, which financially supported the Gonzales Volunteer Ambulance corps — local citizens who provided transportation services. In 2020, the district took over emergency medical services for the county, covering a little more than 1,000 square miles. Today, Nick Medina, left, Andy Morales, center, and Will Tyler are among 30 trained employees who respond to an average of 3,400 emergency calls a year. In some instances, the first responders start a blood transfusion, use a defibrillator for an out-of-rhythm heartbeat or take patients to hospitals. ‘‘This job, for me, not only fulfills a desire to serve my community but also gives me a sense of belonging,’’ Morales said. ‘‘It has provided me with a community of like-minded individuals with whom I can share my achievements. I love it, truly.’’

MANOR INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE DEPARTMENT

Travis County

It was the self-declared best day of the school year for elementary students Paisley Paylor, left, and Cameron Morgan Jr. at Manor Rise Academy last year. That’s because Manor ISD Police Chief Clarence D. Yarbrough was visiting. Yarbrough has done everything from creating coloring books to speaking to students across the district about topics like bullying and kindness. The district police serve 15 schools and 10,000 students. Its 26 officers and six civilian employees are responsible for ensuring safety at every school. They operate under Manor ISD’s jurisdiction, and also work with city of Manor police. The officers conduct safety checks, help with traffic and campus access, make safety presentations and work with school leaders on campus security. Officers receive extensive training, including instruction in active-shooter and tactical operations, adolescent brain development, conflict resolution and child abuse awareness.

INDUSTRY VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE

Austin County

One of Industry Volunteer Fire and Rescue’s brush trucks sits ready on standby at the town’s Fourth of July celebration earlier this year. The department, founded in 1951 and staffed by 28 volunteers, covers about 60 square miles in western Austin County. The department’s four brush trucks can reach places larger vehicles can’t; it also has five other trucks. Their rescue equipment, which includes a hydraulic extrication tool and air packs, was funded in part by a 2020 grant from Bluebonnet and the Lower Colorado River Authority. Ronnie Geistmann, who joined the department in 1993, has been chief since 2007. ‘‘The phone never gets turned off,’’ he said. ‘‘I’m on call 24 hours a day.’’

CALDWELL COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE DISPATCH

Caldwell County

Leslie Garner is one of nine emergency dispatchers in Caldwell County. From a centralized hub, she and the others depend on multiple monitors to answer calls and coordinate response by fire, police, emergency medical services and Texas Department of Public Safety officers. The unit responds to about 3,000 calls a month. Garner joined the dispatch team in 2024 after a job in law enforcement. Here, she is still able to help the public while working to assist deputies, officers and other responders get home safely after their shifts. ‘‘Now, in dispatch, I handle calls that are new and different each day while still ensuring the safety of the public and other first responders.’’ 

TEXAS PARKS & WILDLIFE

Burleson County

Jayme DeSchaaf is one of 500 game wardens across Texas who patrol public and state land and water, enforcing laws and regulations. After graduating from college at 23, he attended the state’s game warden training center for eight months to get his license. DeSchaaf took over patrol in Burleson County in 2016. Receiving dispatch calls from Washington, Burleson and Lee counties, he responds to violations of hunting or fishing laws, reckless driving and incidents such as hunting, vehicle or boat accidents. ‘‘As game wardens, we are here for the people,’’ DeSchaaf said. ‘‘Because citizens have a direct line of access to their local game warden, the relationship between a landowner and game warden is unique.’’

BLEIBLERVILLE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Austin County

With about 30 volunteer firefighters, Bleiblerville Volunteer Fire Department responds to an average of 60 calls a year, primarily for grass fires and vehicle accidents. Cody Duncan, at left, with Kyler Janish, daughter of volunteer Ross Janish, has volunteered with the department for the past three years. He started because he wanted to help his community. ‘‘I live down the road from the fire station, so getting to volunteer with people I know is the best part,’’ Duncan said. ‘‘It means a lot to serve the community I live in, but it’s not unlikely that the calls we get may be our own friends or family in need.’’ Before responding to each call, the department creates a plan. More times than not, those plans change once on scene. The one thing that never changes: Bleiblerville VFD’s commitment to caring for and protecting the citizens of Austin County.

LOCKHART FIRE RESCUE

Caldwell County 

Lockhart Fire Rescue relies on Quint 2, a 2025 Spartan 75-foot ladder truck, to access upper stories and roofs during fire and rescue operations. It’s one of five vehicles in the department’s fleet. “The truck is called a Quint because it serves five functions: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial ladder and ground ladders,” said Fire Chief Randy Jenkins. Weighing 30 tons and equipped with a 1,500-gallon-per-minute pump, it’s the department’s largest vehicle. The 18-member department responds to about 1,800 calls annually for fire and medical emergencies. Serving the city limits of Lockhart, covering roughly 16 square miles, the department operates from two stations. Firefighters are equipped with extrication tools, gas detectors, AEDs , lifting bags that can raise vehicles during rescues and more. The department also maintains an active training program covering fires, medical response, hazardous materials, emergency management and wildland firefighting.

BASTROP COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

Bastrop County

A trio of sheriff’s department officers in Bastrop County have different roles, but together they respond — and are essential — to a range of duties. Cpl. Stevie Burchell, left, has worked in traffic enforcement and on the special response team since March 2024. Investigator Alexander Young, center, has been with the criminal investigations division since November 2020. Patrol officer Michelle ‘‘Roman’’ Kanz, right, joined in June 2023 and is now in the negotiations unit. The officers respond to emergencies, investigate crimes and strengthen the connection between law enforcement and the community. Burchell carries the weighty responsibility of investigating vehicle fatalities and informing families about deaths. ‘‘Providing a sense of security, safety and empathy is instrumental in building trust in the community.’’ she said. In 2025, the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office had 90 sworn peace officers who patrolled 896 square miles.

YORK CREEK VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Guadalupe County

More than 40 years ago, the York Creek Volunteer Fire Department was created to protect a rural area east of San Marcos. Today, its 25 members — many full-time firefighters at other departments — respond to fires, medical emergencies, water rescues and collisions. They protect the towns of Redwood, Zorn and Staples, answering more than 600 calls a year. Wes Trapp practices putting out a fire in a specialized metal shipping container, which provides a controlled environment where crews can fight heat, smoke and flames and study fire behavior. ‘‘The most important part of the drill is that it builds confidence,’’ said firefighter Aiden Robinson, a York Creek volunteer since 2017. 

 

LEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE DISPATCH

Lee County

Sandra Plumley, left, and Barbara Vega, right, listen in as Blake Hall answers a 911 call — one of about 1,500 emergency calls received monthly at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office dispatch and 911 communications facility. They and four other dispatchers take calls and coordinate responses from law enforcement, fire, medical services and state agencies. The team uses sophisticated tools to tackle emergencies, including a Viper 911 system that can increase efficiency when dispatchers answer calls, pinpoint a caller's location and transcribe calls for faster communication with other first responders. A computer-aided dispatch system streamlines operations, and a statewide network connects law enforcement agencies. ‘‘We’re not just answering calls. We are stepping into people’s lives at their most vulnerable times,’’ Plumley said. ‘‘And sometimes we get to be part of something truly life-changing.’’

Honoring Bluebonnet's veterans

Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative honors Veterans Day, Nov. 11, with gratitude for the men and women who have worn the uniforms of our nation. This year, we recognize 24 employees who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines and Army National Guard. Their call to duty took them across the U.S. and overseas, and today they continue that commitment by providing safe, reliable electricity to more than 105,000 Bluebonnet members in 14 Central Texas counties.