Henly Fire Department BBQ Fundraiser June 8, 2019

The Henly Fire Department held a BBQ fundraiser last Saturday Jun. 8 at its fire station. In addition to BBQ, the event included tours of the station & fire engines, live music, a silent auction, and children’s activities.

The fundraiser raised funds for recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. “The money is used for scholarships which cover the cost of training for the fire academy and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician),” North Hays Fire/Rescue Lieutenant Laurie Shelton said.

Supporting the event were the Dripping Springs Cook-Off Club, which not only provided the BBQ, but also manned the chow line. DSCO member, and volunteer firefighter Mark Treadway, helped organize the club’s support. “Although the annual fundraiser originally started probably sometime in the 1970s, we ‘rebooted’ the event about five years ago and added live music and support from the people you see here today. The cook club worked their butts off, and I can’t say enough about them and their support,” Treadway said. “In addition to training scholarships, the funds raised also help purchase some of the personal equipment volunteer firefighters will need, and as such we very much appreciate the community’s support.”

Manning the dessert table were volunteers from the Henly Baptist Church, which donated all the desserts for the event. “Last year our dessert table raised over $500 for the department,” Susan Gripka said.

-By John Pacheco