Bexar County ESD 12 Fire / Rescue is a combination department, we serve the far east side of Bexar County. We provide fire, rescue, and medical first response to approximately 120 square miles which includes the City of Saint Hedwig.
The mission of Bexar County ESD 12 Fire / Rescue is to enhance the safety and protect those who reside and travel through district of Bexar County ESD No. 12. We are committed to ensure we are creating a safer district through preparedness and effective emergency response.
Bexar County ESD No. 12 was established 2007 by the registered voters of the district. Bexar County ESD 12 Fire / Rescue runs out of 2 stations, one located within the city limits of Saint Hedwig which is staffed 24/7 by career staff, and one located off Highway 87 which is staffed by volunteers. We are currently in the process of purchasing land to build are third station for the district in the area of FM 1518 and Abbott Road.
Bexar County ESD 12 Fire / Rescue utilizes a staff of 12 Full and Part time firefighters to staff station 142, which is located with in the City of Saint Hedwig. The department also staffs about 25 trained professional volunteer firefighters.
https://www.bexar.org/630/Fire-Marshal
https://public.tfswildfires.com/ active fire in Texas
St Hedwig VFD was chartered
Albert ” Dutch ” Strzelczyk Chief
All funding for the fire department was from dues from the community and an annual picnic held in August
John Decker – Chief
As the number of calls increased, funding continued to be a struggle. Never a shortage of volunteers, they continued to serve the community day or night whenever the tones went off.
Lawrence Padalecki Sr. – Chief
As the City of St. Hedwig and un-incorporated areas grew so did the amount of funding needed keep the running and prepared for the future. In 2008 Chief Padalecki asked the members of the community
to vote on a ad valorem tax that would solely fund department for the foreseeable future. The voters answered unanimously, this would change the face of the department forever.