The tough economic times have affected many non-profits and other organizations both locally and nationwide making them look to new fundraising ideas to draw in support.  The North Lake Volunteer Fire Department & EMS is another such organization looking for some assistance just as they have assisted citizens in Brown County for over 20 years.

Ambulance Chief Loretta Bronstein said, “With the economy in the shape it is, the money that we raise at fundraisers just pays for the monthly expenses of operating the fire department.”

The North Lake EMS currently has two ambulances.  One of them was purchased by the residents of North Lake Brownwood many years ago and the other is an ambulance/rescue unit which North Lake received from the Texas Forest Service.

“We are needing $50,000 to replace the North Lake unit with a newer model,” Bronstein said.

In their agreement with Guardian EMS, North Lake covers the northeast corner of Brown County starting near Owens and extending to the Comanche and Eastland County lines and to Hwy 279.  “If we can get there before Guardian, then we are paged out,” Bronstein said.  “Guardian and North Lake put patient care above all else.”

North Lake Brownwood EMS is fully licensed by the state of Texas and is a fully volunteer organization.

Bronstein said, “We have outlasted all of the paid ambulance services brought into Brown County, surviving only on donations.”

Bronstein also said that they are required to follow the same state requirements that are required of paid ambulance services, but work on a volunteer basis.

The North Lake Volunteer Fire Department and EMS hold several fund raisers throughout the year which pays for their service.

The following fundraisers with be taking place this year:

• First Saturday of the month Breakfast at the Fire Station starting at 8 am
• The last Saturday of March “Volunteer Appreciation Dinner” honoring any and all persons who donate their time to helping others at the American Legion.
• In April we provide a Pet Clinic so that residents may get their rabies shots for their pets
• Memorial Day weekend garage sale
• July 4th Parade for anyone who wants to participate, then fun, food and games at the fire station
• They will be having Karaoke, dances, many other functions the rest of the year.

Those interested in helping out this great service to Brown County and cannot attend this fund raising events can mail a donation to:

North Lake Brownwood Vol. Fire Dept
3340 Windjammer Drive
May, TX  76857