LOCAL WATER RESCUE SQUAD RECOGNIZED FOR LIFE-SAVING EFFORTS DURING HURRICANE HANNA

  

Members from a local water rescue squad that saved three people from a sinking sailboat in Corpus Christi during Hurricane Hanna were recognized during today’s (Tuesday) session of Washington County Commissioners Court.

Individuals from a Texas A&M Task Force 1 (TX-TF1) squad consisting of members of Washington County EMS received a custom engraved paddle, and were presented distinguished service awards and live-saving awards of valor.  The paddle commemorates the efforts of the squad on July 25^th, where they rescued three people at Marina Del Sol.

The team was also recognized by State Representative Ben Leman, who, while not in attendance at the meeting, wrote a proclamation honoring each member of the rescue team.

EMS Director and Water Group Supervisor Kevin Deramus was also honored at today’s meeting, receiving the Community Builder Award from Graham Masonic Lodge.  The award recognizes outstanding citizens who have distinguished themselves through their service to the community.  Deramus also received a letter from State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, congratulating him on receiving the award and thanking him for his efforts in Washington County.

Commissioner Kirk Hanath said Washington County is a “footprint county,” accomplishing things others are not by doing them “outside the industry standard.”  Commissioner Joy Fuchs echoed Hanath’s comments, thanking all those who had worked to advance Washington County EMS.  County Judge John Durrenberger said all of the squad members’ lives are at risk every time they deploy, and thanked them for their sacrifice.

Commissioner Don Koester said he is “in awe” of the county’s EMS department, saying it continues to do nothing but get better.  Commissioner Candice Bullock said she is proud to know that the county has this “fantastic, phenomenal, selfless group” in the community “going above and beyond to serve.”

Also in court, commissioners:

• Tabled the purchase of materials and labor for City of Brenham fiber to the Washington County Health Clinic. They also tabled the approval of additional annual maintenance fees for the health clinic fiber.
• Approved an engineering contract from Strand Associates for the County Transportation Infrastructure Fund (CTIF) grant program.
• Approved the Washington County CDL drug and alcohol testing policy and procedures.
• Heard from Washington County Veterans Association (WCVA) President Ben Seeker on an upcoming restoration project at the American Legion Memorial Plaza. Seeker said over the years, many of the bricks at the plaza, which are inscribed with the names of local veterans, have faded.  Seeker said the organization has reached out to Jacob Janda of Janda Monument Company and Cemetery Services of Giddings to restore the bricks and columns at the plaza.  Seeker said at the Brenham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting October 14^th that the project will be done during the winter, using funds from the WCVA and donations.
• Approved a new bond for Reserve Deputy Sheriff Carl Wiesepape.
• Heard monthly reports from the Emergency Management Coordinator, environmental health department, district and county clerks, justices of the peace, auditor, tax assessor/collector, treasurer, constables, and Washington County Fairgrounds management.