The Medina Lake Volunteer Fire Department’s annual barbecue and silent auction fundraiser on Saturday, April 18, drew hundreds of residents despite ongoing economic hardships.
Final totals were not immediately available, but Capt. Greg Spangler said he is hopeful the event will help cover the $22,000 cost to replace the department’s bunker gear.
“The gear is only good for about 10 years,” Spangler said. “We’re coming up on that soon.”
The 15-person department relies entirely on donations to operate, as volunteer fire departments do not receive regular state or county funding.
“We apply for grants, but this year we lost the Lower Colorado River Authority grant,” Spangler said.
The department also lacks proper equipment to clean its gear, raising safety concerns.
“The number one leading problem with fire departments is cancer,” Spangler said. “Right now, we’re cleaning our gear with a garden hose.”
Spangler said limited funding has prevented the department from upgrading to equipment capable of fully decontaminating gear.
The fundraiser itself came at a cost. The department spent $6,000 on a 1,200-pound brisket.
“The brisket cost was very high this year,” Spangler said. “But we sold 285 to-go plates and 542 inside plates.”
Items for the auction and gun raffle were donated by local businesses, including Out of the Way Cafe, Hudson’s Automotive and True Value. Volunteers from Lake Medina RV Resort also assisted with the event.
“We always thank the community,” Spangler said. “Without them, we can’t survive.”
He also expressed appreciation for the firefighters who continue to serve despite limited resources, noting their dedication is what keeps the department going.
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