San Felipe/ Frydek Fire Department Austin Co ESD 1

09/05/2026

🚒 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MINI AGUILAR 🚒

Today, we’re proud to shine our Member Spotlight on Mini Aguilar! 🔥

When we asked Mini why she joined the fire department, this is what she had to say:

“Mini joined the fire department without knowing it would become something she genuinely loves. Serving her community and being available when help is needed has become an important part of who she is.

Alongside her role in the fire department, Mini balances a full-time career and her responsibilities as a wife and mother. Her commitment to service extends beyond the firehouse and reflects the dedication she brings to every role she takes on.”

Like so many of our volunteers, Mini proves that being a volunteer firefighter means finding a way to answer the call while balancing work, family, and everyday life.

What may have started as simply joining the department has grown into a genuine passion for helping others and serving her community. Whether it’s responding when someone needs help, participating around the station, or continuing to learn and grow as a firefighter, Mini brings dedication and heart to our department.

We are grateful to have Mini as part of the San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department family and appreciate the time and commitment she gives to serving others.

🚒🔥 Thank you, Mini, for answering the call and for everything you do for our department and our community!

09/04/2026

🚒🔥 Member Spotlight: Oscar Cerna 🔥🚒

Today, we’re proud to shine our Member Spotlight on Oscar Cerna, who is approaching an incredible milestone — 20 years of service with the San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department!

Nearly two decades of answering the call, serving neighbors, and giving back to the community is something truly worth recognizing. We cannot thank Oscar enough for the years of dedication, sacrifice, and service he has given to our department and the people we serve.

When we asked Oscar why he joined the fire department, this is what he had to say:

“I had zero experience when I first stepped into the fire department, but I think God directed me into the volunteer fire department to help save lives, serve the community, and help keep the community safe. I have great pride in being a firefighter, especially since, in the eyes of my daughters, I am nothing more and nothing less than a hero.”

❤️ That last statement says so much. To his community, Oscar is a dedicated volunteer firefighter. To his department, he is a valued member with nearly 20 years of knowledge and experience. But to his daughters, he is simply their hero.

🚒🔥 Oscar, thank you for nearly 20 years of answering the call, serving your community, and being part of the San Felipe Frydek VFD family. Your dedication and commitment have not gone unnoticed, and we are grateful for everything you have contributed over the years.

Here’s to 20 years of service and the legacy you continue to build!

09/03/2026

🚒 Member Spotlight: Terrance Cloud 🚒

Today, we’re shining our Member Spotlight on Terrance Cloud!

A proud San Felipe resident, Terrance has a long history of serving with the San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department.

When we asked Terrance why he joined the fire department, this is what he had to say:

“I joined the fire department back in 2004, and at that time I just wanted to help people in need. Life got busy and I left, but I came back because I missed it and rejoined.”

Known around the station for always having a smile on his face — and affectionately earning the nickname “Steve Harvey” — Terrance brings a great attitude, plenty of personality, and a few laughs to our team.

When the tones drop, you can often find Terrance behind the wheel of one of our Engines or Tankers, helping get our crews and equipment safely where they need to be. If he isn’t working, there’s a pretty good chance he’s answering a fire call!

And anyone around the firehouse knows one more thing about Terrance… if there’s food at the meeting, you can guarantee he won’t be late! 😂🍕🚒

All jokes aside, Terrance’s willingness to show up, lend a hand, and serve his neighbors makes him a valuable asset to our department and our community.

🔥 Thank you, Terrance, for finding your way back to the fire service and continuing to answer the call. We appreciate your dedication, dependability, great attitude, and all the smiles you bring to the station — especially when there’s food involved! 😂

09/03/2026

A New Water Tender for Our Community 🚒

The Texas A&M Forest Service recently awarded cost-share grants to volunteer fire departments across Texas, including several in Austin County, to help purchase much-needed fire apparatus.

Thanks to this funding, the San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department was able to design and acquire a new 4,000-gallon water tender that is now in service.

Many people have asked, “Why 4,000 gallons? Why a water truck?”

The answer is simple.

Much of our response area is rural and does not have fire hydrants readily available. During structure fires, grass fires, and other emergencies, having a large water supply on scene immediately can make a tremendous difference. A 4,000-gallon water tender allows us to deliver a significant amount of water quickly, supporting fire suppression efforts until additional water resources arrive. It also helps ensure a continuous water supply during extended incidents, reducing delays and improving firefighter safety.

In October 2025, we were honored to learn that our department had been awarded a $300,000 reimbursement grant to purchase a new water tender. Over the following months, we evaluated numerous manufacturers and configurations. We received quotes ranging from $306,000 to more than $950,000 before selecting the apparatus that best met our department’s operational needs while remaining within the grant funding.

This project would not have been possible without HB 2604, which continues to provide critical funding opportunities for volunteer fire departments across Texas. We are incredibly grateful to the Texas Legislature, Texas A&M Forest Service, Austin County ESD No. 1, and everyone who supports volunteer fire service.

We have looked forward to placing this new apparatus into service and we will continue our mission of protecting the lives and property of those we proudly serve.

🚒 Thank you for your continued support of the San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department.

09/02/2026

🚒 Member Spotlight: Miriam Montiel 🚒

Today, we’re proud to shine our Member Spotlight on Miriam Montiel, who has dedicated 10 years to the fire service and serving our community!

When we asked Miriam why she joined the fire department and what has kept her answering the call for the past decade, this is what she had to say:

“Ten years ago, I joined the fire department not knowing just how much this journey would mean to me. What started as a commitment to serve has become a passion and a huge part of who I am.

There’s nothing quite like hearing the tones drop and feeling that adrenaline kick in, knowing that someone in our community needs help. Every call is different, but the mission remains the same — to show up, help others, and make a difference when people need it most.

I truly enjoy serving our community, being there for people during some of their hardest moments, and being part of a team that puts others before themselves. The long nights, difficult calls, and sacrifices are all worth it when you know you helped someone.

After 10 years in the fire service, I’m still proud to answer the call. The adrenaline may be what gets my heart racing, but helping people and serving our community is what keeps me coming back.

🔥 10 years down, and I’m still ready when the tones drop. 🚒”

Miriam, thank you for 10 years of dedication, sacrifice, and service. Volunteers like you are the heart of the San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department. We are proud to have you as part of our fire department family and grateful for every call you continue to answer.

🚒❤️ Congratulations on 10 years of service, Miriam! Here’s to many more!

08/30/2026

🚒 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: MARIO ROSAS 🚒

Today, we’re proud to shine the spotlight on another member of the San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department — Mario Rosas!

When we asked Mario to tell us a little about himself and why he chose to become a volunteer firefighter, here’s what he had to say:

“My name is Mario Rosas. I recently became a volunteer firefighter this year, and honestly, I just wanted to do something meaningful for my community. I’m still learning a lot, but I’m grateful for the chance to help out and be part of the team.

I don’t really have any big hobbies — I mainly work, stay busy, and spend time with my family. But I’m looking forward to growing in the department and doing my part whenever I’m needed.”

🔥 Mario is currently attending the Fire Academy, taking the next step toward building his knowledge, skills, and abilities as a firefighter.

Since joining our department, Mario has shown an eagerness to learn, a willingness to step up, and a genuine desire to serve his community. Those qualities are exactly what volunteer service is all about.

The Fire Academy takes dedication, time, hard work, and sacrifice — especially when balancing work and family along the way. We couldn’t be more proud of Mario for taking on this challenge and continuing to push himself forward.

Mario, we’re glad to have you as part of our fire department family, and we look forward to watching you grow throughout the academy and beyond.

Keep learning. Keep pushing. Keep serving. 🚒🔥

08/30/2026

🚒 Congratulations, Firefighter Bradley Thomas Crabb! 🚒

The San Felipe Frydek Volunteer Fire Department would like to congratulate and commend Bradley Thomas Crabb on his continued dedication to serving his community and advancing his education in the fire service.

Bradley has successfully completed the Fire Academy along with his Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training and has earned his Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) certification.

Reaching these milestones took countless hours of training, hard work, determination, and sacrifice. Bradley Thomas stayed focused on his goals and continued pushing forward even when the road wasn’t easy.

But he isn’t stopping here! His next goal is to pursue his EMT-B certification. Every accomplishment is another stepping stone toward the future he is working to build.

🔥 Congratulations, Bradley Thomas! Your hard work is paying off — and this is only the beginning! 🚒🚑

08/28/2026

As Fire Chief, I would like to personally address a post that was shared earlier on our department’s page and has since been removed.

The original post contained information that was not completely accurate at the time it was published. Once additional information and clarification were received, the post was removed.

I want to be clear that removing a post does not remove our responsibility from what was originally shared. While additional information may later provide clarification or context, it does not change the fact that the information in the original post should have been fully verified before being made public.

I apologize to our community and to anyone who may have been affected or confused by the information that was shared.

As Fire Chief, I take responsibility for the information communicated through our department. Our community deserves information that is accurate, verified, and transparent. When we make a mistake, we should acknowledge it, correct it, and use it as an opportunity to improve.

We value the trust our community places in the San Felipe/Frydek Volunteer Fire Department, and we will continue working to ensure our public communications reflect the professionalism and integrity expected of our department.

Thank you for your understanding.

Steven Silver
Fire Chief
San Felipe/Frydek Volunteer Fire Department
[email protected]

08/24/2026

BURN BAN IN EFFECT AS OF TODAY 08-24-26/OUTDOOR BURNING IS RESTRICTED AT THIS TIME

🔥 BURN BAN IN EFFECT 🔥

The Austin County Burn Ban is currently in effect until further notice.

🚫 All outdoor burning is prohibited while the burn ban is active.

Please help protect our community, homes, property, and first responders by following the burn ban and refraining from any outdoor burning.

📍 Austin County Sheriff’s Office
Please share this information with friends, family, and neighbors.

08/23/2026

This morning San Felipe Frydek Junior Fire members participated in hands-on vehicle extrication training. The training gave the members an opportunity to learn and practice essential skills used to safely remove occupants from vehicles involved in accidents. Through teamwork, communication, and proper use of extrication tools, the junior members gained valuable experience while building confidence and preparing to assist their community in future emergencies.