If you are driving in the North Lake Brownwood area and see something bright yellow go by, it is not early spring flowers. North Lake Brownwood citizens have recently received a much needed new ambulance for the North Lake Brownwood Volunteer Fire Department (NLBVFD). On February 7th the new Marque ambulance was delivered by Reliable Emergency Vehicles, Inc. of Comanche to the North Lake Brownwood station. This state-of-the-art unit is a welcome addition to the volunteers who serve North Brownwood County. Features include enhanced safety, patient life support and climate control.
Established in 1987, they are the longest running BLS service in Brown County. With an established agreement with Guardian EMS, NLBVFD is the only Basic Life Support service at this end of the county. Their service area includes all of North Brown County up to Eastland County, to Callahan and Comanche County line and Highway 279. This includes May School District functions, such as football games and rodeos.
Judy Kinney and Wanda Nall, residents of the Harbor Point Development were on hand when the new ambulance was delivered. “We are very excited to have this new ambulance” stated Kinney. “The residents here have been working hard to clean up the North Lake Brownwood area and attract new development.” According to Nall the new ambulance will show the community in a fresh light. Many volunteers have worked hard to restore and clean up the area.
The new ambulance has been funded through a State of Texas Governors Emergency Grant and private donations. Loretta Bronstein, Ambulance Chief of the NLBWDVFD and Glenn Pratt, President of Reliable Emergency Vehicles, Inc of Comanche, TX were instrumental in bringing this new ambulance to the people of Brown County. The Department covers a 350 square mile area that consists of some very rural, rough terrain. The lake area has been growing and the number of calls to the volunteer service has been growing as well. The residents consist primarily of 1500 residents, many which are elderly. The population often doubles in the summer and on weekends.
This ambulance will replace a 1992 ambulance with well over 100,000 miles that no longer is in service. Six months ago it was in an accident and has not been operable since. “This ambulance is a new lease on life for this community” stated Chief Bronstein. The service also has a 1989 rescue ambulance that is used for a backup when the first unit is on a call. “North Lake Brownwood uses the second ambulance to go out with the fire trucks as back up and support for the firefighters. We deliver first aid, oxygen, water and Gatorade for the firefighters” explained Bronstein.
The NLBVFD have learned to survive on a shoestring budget. Currently, this amounts to $42,000.00 annually, which has largely come from community donations. “Presently we have $2,000.00 in the bank. We do fund raisers every month and this keeps us going” stated Bronstein. Donations are always welcome.
The department urgently needs to replace the 22 year old second unit which is showing its age. They have received a commitment for one-half of the cost from the Meadows Foundation out of Dallas. We need to raise approximately $85,000.00 in order to purchase the second ambulance rescue vehicle. Bronstein states “we are always looking for more volunteers, especially anyone willing to take EMS training at any level.” The department would also love to have more volunteers to organize a big fund raiser to help with the purchase of the second ambulance. It is important to note that the folks who work at the NLBVFD station are not paid- it is 100% volunteer. The pre-hospital health care services are also unique in that they do not charge for their care.
Don’t wait for the ambulance to come to you in order to check out the new unit, come and see it on March 5th, 6:30 PM at the NLBVFD station for their open house and ambulance fundraiser. If you would like more information, to make a donation, or find out about volunteer opportunities, please call Loretta Bronstein, Ambulance Chief at (325) 217-8425.
Top Photo: Glenn Pratt of Reliable Emergency Vehicles, Inc, turning the keys over to Loretta Bronstein, Ambulance Chief of North Lake Brownwood VFD
Glenn Pratt of Reliable emergency Vehicles, Inc explains many of the safety features inside the new ambulance to Cheif Loretta Bronstein and Jason Bushey.
\Fireman/EMT’s Darla Biggerstaff and Karen Baumgardner looking at the new set up inside the ambulance (Karen is in Red)
Wanda Nall, a resident of Harbor Point Development and Karen Baumgardner, Fireman and EMT at NLBVFD check out the New Ambulance
