Chief Dawson Williamson of the Ata‑Bexar County Line Volunteer Fire Department warned that his crews have been working nonstop for weeks, battling fires across the county while carrying 50‑to‑100 pounds of gear in oppressive heat and humidity.
“When you add that much equipment in this kind of weather, you lose a lot of liquid and sweat,” Williamson said. “We can go through a case of water in an hour or two.”
Recent incidents left the department with only two cases of water for four consecutive days, forcing firefighters to ration their own hydration while responding to emergencies. Recognizing the strain, the department posted a request on social media for community donations of bottled water, Gatorade, Powerade, ice and insulated cooler jugs.
The response was swift. An Amazon delivery brought several cases of water and sports drinks, and an electrical contractor from Seguin pledged two pallets of supplies. In total, 84 cases of water have been promised, a lifeline for a department whose budget primarily covers equipment and operational costs.
Williamson emphasized that the donations are not for Ata‑Bexar alone. “We’ll share these supplies with neighboring volunteer departments in Lytle, Poteet, Black Hill, Charlotte, Christine, Leming, and, if possible, other units in Wilson and Bexar counties,” he explained. “When we’ve been short on water during an emergency, other departments have helped us. Now we’re returning the favor.”
Looking Ahead: Emergency Service District Status
Next month the Ata‑Bexar County Line Fire Department will transition to an Emergency Service District (ESD), which will bring a significant increase in public funding. Despite the upcoming budget boost, Williamson said the department will continue to welcome community contributions, recognizing that local support strengthens the volunteer spirit and ensures readiness.
Residents who wish to donate can call 210‑905‑9850 to confirm availability and arrange drop‑offs. The department encourages anyone able to help to step forward, reinforcing the partnership between volunteers and the citizens they protect.
Why Community Support Matters
Volunteer fire departments across Texas rely heavily on donations and local goodwill. With limited tax revenue and the high cost of maintaining fire apparatus, every bottle of water and cooler of ice can make a tangible difference in the field. Williamson described the outpouring of aid as “a huge blessing,” underscoring how faith, family and neighborly responsibility intersect in everyday public‑service work.
As the summer heat persists, the Ata‑Bexar County Line Fire Department’s call for hydration supplies serves as a reminder that even the most essential emergency responders need basic sustenance to keep communities safe.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
