Challenge, car show raise funds for Fire and Rescue

Bandera City Park hosted an antique car show in conjunction with the Bandera Fire and Rescue Annual Fireman’s Challenge on Saturday, Oct. 18.

The event featured $15 barbecue plates to raise funds for Bandera Fire and Rescue, while volunteer fire departments from across the county competed in an obstacle course for the best time.

Bandera Fire and Rescue President Ellen Cummings said the event was meant to bring the community and volunteer services together.

Castle Lake Ranch and Pipe Creek volunteer fire departments joined in to show their support.

“We’ve always enjoyed coming to compete in this event,” said Castle Lake Ranch Fire Chief Paul Miller. “A couple of my guys have been trying really hard to get ready for it. We think we have a real shot at winning.”

The obstacle course required two-person teams to dress in full gear, drag a hose, and carry a rescue dummy, among other challenges. In preparation, Miller’s department practiced putting on bunker gear in under two minutes.

“One of my guys has it down to 45 seconds,” Miller said.

Cummings, whose husband, Brad Cummings, serves as Bandera Fire and Rescue’s fire chief, expressed gratitude for the community’s turnout.

“This event promotes teamwork and cooperation between departments across Bandera County,” she said, adding that her husband and other members of the department stayed overnight at the park to prepare the barbecue for the fundraiser.

“All the money raised goes back into Bandera Fire and Rescue,” Cummings said. “A lot of it goes toward fixing vehicles and purchasing new equipment. We do get grants, but most of our funding really comes from our community. We want to serve them the best we can.”

Residents can follow Bandera Fire and Rescue on Facebook for updates on future fundraising events.