Milam County Farm Bureau donates to volunteer fire departments

When rural residents need help, the first response is often from volunteer fire departments. That was especially true for Milam County residents during February’s unprecedented winter storm.

To thank those for serving rural communities, Milam County Farm Bureau recently donated $3,000 to nine local VFDs. The donations were made possible in part by the Texas Farm Bureau Helping Hands co-op contribution program.

“As a board, we decided the volunteer fire departments in remote locations help more farmers and ranchers, because they’re out in the country and meet us where we have the need,” Milam CFB President Lana McDermott said. “We donated to six VFDs initially. Then, we found out about three smaller departments that could really use the help, so we included them, as well.”

Buckholts, Burlington, Cameron, Davilla, Gause, Minerva, Milano, Rockdale and Thorndale VFDs each received $500 from Milam CFB. 

McDermott noted the towns served by these groups range in population from less than 100 to about 5,000. The small, rural communities especially rely on VFDs for a fast response as they are located far away from other county emergency services.

This year, in addition to the more routine calls for emergency assistance and fires, Milam County VFDs also responded to a challenging train derailment situation. But McDermott said the largest volume of calls for help came during February’s winter storm.

Volunteer firefighters assisted urban and rural residents, performed countless rescues during the storm and helped with downed power lines. She noted many of the volunteer firefighters said the donations will help replace and repair equipment that was damaged during the worst part of the storm.

“We greatly appreciate these folks and all they’ve done for us. If it weren’t for them, we’d be in a big mess and more people likely wouldn’t have made it through that storm,” McDermott said. “And if we don’t get some rain soon, we’re going to be facing a pretty major drought. We’ll really be needing their services then. So, we can’t thank them enough for what they do for us, but we hope this donation helps shows them they’re valued and appreciated.”