February 1, 2005 To the community of Von Ormy and members of Jarret VFD, Hello to all, it gives me great pleasure to announce to the Von Ormy community that our overall response time in 2004 was 6.28 mins. That is the best response time in all of unincorporated Bexar County. I dont like to brag but this is the best this department has ever done and i will give credit where credit is due, and that comes down to the people who are in your department. I want you to know that these firefighters ( volunteers ) and Medics ( also volunteers ) are some of the most dedicated people i have ever known. 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year they are here to respond. The next thing i would like to tell you is that John Ortega Jr., Captain of the Jarret VFD, is now a state and nationally certified Fire Investigator another first for this department and the county. Congratulations Captain Ortega! Also congratulations goes out to Andrew Flores who is now a ECA Emergency Care Attendant, State and nationally Certified. This is the first step in becoming a EMT if he so chooses, Congratulatons Firefighter Flores ! And as I write this letter, Assistant Chief Allison Hood is currently taken a advanced course in Methods Of Teaching class, in Crockett TX. This course will make her a level 2 instructor in Firefighting training and she will be able to challange the NFP test and become a nationwide instructor. Jarret VFD is striving to have the best qualified and trained people in your department and it's thanks to you through your donations and contributions ( We've received no ESD money ) that this is possible. Somemore good news: It is definate, we have been awarded our FEMA grant, $ 57,000.00 worth of firefighting and rescue equipment. ( this is our second grant awarded in three years ) We are in the process of purchasing the equipment right now and will be in use soon. Thanks goes out to President Bush and our Goverment for making this possible. The 2005 Grant is now out and we are going to pursue it again, wish us luck! The Jarret Fire and Rescue / Arturo Martinez Scholarship Fund has ended for this year with a total of seven applicants from area High Schools, in April we will choose one student and present them with a check for $1000.00 dollars so that he / she may continue their education, we hope to increase the amount offerd in the future. I just want the people of Von Ormy to know that we are not just sitting around the fire house playing cards or watching TV and doing nothing. We are active ( as much as time allows us ) in every aspect of community service, and always thinking of new things to do. I dont know what the future holds for us with this ESD and all, and I really do hope everything turns out for the better. It is truely sad to see personal feelings get in the way of doing whats right, but hopefully it will work out. Thank you to the citizens of Von Ormy and all of ESD 5, stay safe and God Bless John Ortega, Sr. Chief, Jarret VFD