SVSisterdale Volunteer Fire Department
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About Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department
When an emergency reaches Sisterdale or the surrounding areas of Kendall County, local volunteers respond with fire suppression, emergency medical care, rescue services, and prevention support. The department operates nine fire apparatus and an Advanced Life Support First Responder program, so its work can reach people well beyond putting out fires. A donation helps support a department that protects life and property with courtesy and respect for the public.
Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department is an all-volunteer department with Advanced Life Support first-response capability and a drone program for aerial emergency intelligence. It operates nine fire apparatus, including the only air apparatus in Kendall County, and uses drones for wildland fire overwatch, structure assessments, search-and-locate support, and post-storm reconnaissance.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Fire suppression
Responds to wildland, structural, commercial, grass, and building fires in Sisterdale and throughout Kendall County.
Emergency medical response
Responds to medical calls and operates as an Advanced Life Support First Responder Organization, providing advanced interventions and medication administration.
Rescue services
Provides water, vehicle, technical, and swiftwater rescue capabilities.
Controlled-burn assistance
Helps residents assess conditions and conduct safe, responsible controlled burns, including brush-pile burns.
Drone emergency response
Uses drones for wildland fire overwatch, structure assessments, search-and-locate support, and post-storm reconnaissance.
Fire prevention education
Shares fire safety and prevention information, including cooking safety, escape planning, and controlled-burn guidance.
Volunteer firefighter training
Provides ongoing training in fire suppression, emergency medicine, rescue operations, wildland firefighting, vehicle extrication, water drafting, and related skills.
About this work
Mission
To protect life and property with courtesy and respect for the public, providing fire and emergency medical protection to the Sisterdale, Texas area.
Who they serve
Residents of Sisterdale and surrounding areas in Kendall County, Texas, as well as people affected by emergencies throughout the county.
Their impact
- Operates nine fire apparatus, including the only air apparatus in Kendall County.
- Completed and placed into service a 40,000-gallon water storage tank, 500 GPM pump, and fire hydrant system.
- Became an officially certified Advanced Life Support First Responder Organization in 2025.
- The drone program began in January 2022 and supports fire overwatch, structure assessment, search-and-locate operations, and post-storm reconnaissance.
How your donation helps
- Firefighter gear and safety equipment
- Volunteer training and certifications
- Equipment maintenance
- Emergency response operations
- Fire apparatus acquisition and maintenance
- Drone pilot training, batteries, power systems, thermal imaging, mapping software, storage, and upgrades
- Water infrastructure for firefighting
- Station power, lighting, and generator improvements
Need help?
How someone in need can access Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department’s services.
For controlled-burn assistance or advice, contact chief@sisterdalevfd.org. To report a controlled burn before lighting it, call Boerne Dispatch at 830-249-8645. Emergency medical, fire, and rescue services are accessed through emergency dispatch.
Stories
The people behind the work.
Grant support
$1,007 from 1 funder · through 2021 (IRS 990 records).
- HIXON FAMILY FOUNDATION — $257 (2021)CHARITABLE
- HIXON FAMILY FOUNDATION — $250 (2020)CHARITABLE
- HIXON FAMILY FOUNDATION — $250 (2018)CHARITABLE
- HIXON FAMILY FOUNDATION — $250 (2017)CHARITABLE
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Sisterdale Volunteer Fire Department has shared.
Current needs
- Ongoing drone pilot training and certification
- Spare drone batteries and power systems
- Night-operation lighting and thermal imaging
- Mapping software and data tools
- Drone equipment storage, maintenance, and upgrades
- An additional M30 drone to expand countywide response capability
- Volunteer firefighters and community members for operational, fundraising, station, grounds-maintenance, and support roles
Volunteer opportunities
- Train as a volunteer firefighter
- Provide emergency medical care or rescue support
- Support fire prevention and community events
- Help with fundraising efforts
- Maintain the station and grounds
- Serve as a community member at monthly business meetings
- Assist behind the scenes with department support and logistics
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- 2025 Firefighter of the Year, Justin Taylor
- 2025 Community Member of the Year, Ashleigh Taylor
- 2025 Timothy Robertson Sr. Impact Award, Cheryl White
- Wildland Firefighter Type 2 certifications for Justin Taylor and Tom Wertman, 2025
- Advanced Life Support First Responder Organization certification, 2025
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What should residents do before conducting a controlled burn?
Contact the department for assistance or advice, and notify Boerne Dispatch at 830-249-8645 before lighting the burn. The department can help assess weather, wind, and ground conditions.
What does the drone program support?
The drone program supports wildland fire overwatch, structure assessments, search-and-locate operations, and post-storm reconnaissance. It gives responders and residents real-time information to help them stay safer.
When can someone learn more about volunteering?
Prospective volunteers can visit the station on Wednesday nights at 7 PM to watch training, meet the crew, and ask questions. Community members can also attend the monthly business meeting on the third Wednesday of the month.
What types of training are available to volunteers?
Training covers structural and wildland firefighting, emergency medical response, water and technical rescue, vehicle extrication, swiftwater rescue, water drafting, and related emergency-response skills.
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