Cass County firefighters prepare for summer

By J. Leslie Riseden

Special Contributor to the Steel Country Bee

The temperatures have begun their annual climb through the 80s on their way to a predictably hot and probably dry summer, with the mercury regularly in the high 90s and the rain gauges full of dust. Summer approaches, and for the valiant firefighters of Cass County, it’s the beginning of the busy season.

Members of the Cass County Firefighters Association got together May 16 for their monthly meeting -- this time in Avinger. In the few minutes before the meeting began, they enjoyed the cool evening air, sharing and comparing stories about recent calls. Some -- meeting for the first time -- established one more bond of brotherhood known only to those who willingly risk their lives to save the life and property of others.

“There is usually some kind of training going on all the time,“ said S e c r e t a r y - Tr e a s u r e r Warren Pennington. Firefighters must constantly learn about improved procedures, new equipment, and safer ways to perform their jobs. In addition, they are continually re-training to make sure their knowledge, skills and abilities are at their very best. The majority of state-approved training is funded by the Texas A&M Forest Service through grants; however, this only covers costs for instructors and training materials -- not equipment, travel, housing or meals for attendees.

It is at these meetings, said CCFA President Lucas Owens, where “we decide what training is needed, when the classes can be scheduled, who the instructors will be, and how much it will cost.” Then, it is up to each individual fire department to review their own budgets for availability of funds to reimburse travel expenses for individuals who attend.

Since most of the fire departments in Cass County are “all volunteer,“ fund-raising is a constant concern. Fish-frys, chili cook-offs, raffles and other fund-raising events are often planned to help offset operating expenses. According to Jim Butler, “We all try to support each other by attending other fire departments’ events.”

Reciprocal support seems to be another recurring concept among members of the CCFA. “When we hold these meetings at different stations, not only do we get to meet some of the other firefighters,“ says Mr. Butler, “but we also learn about specialized equipment they may have that we don’t have in our station. That way, if the need for that equipment comes up, we know who we can call for help.”

CCFA has recently launched a Facebook page (Cass County, Tx Firefighters Association), and plans to add information in the near future about fire prevention and safety plus other information of interest to the citizens of Cass County. In the meantime, Mr. Owens has two favorite tips: Install smoke detectors, and develop a family plan for where to meet outside in the event of a fire.