Butler VFD recently celebrated 40 years of service to the Butler Community in Freestone County with a dinner held December 20th.
Fire Chief Kurt Kropp recognized the past Fire Chiefs Harold Loyd Owen, Jr., Bruce Crawford and Hollis Daniel and the founder of BVFD, Jim Sanders of Fairfield who was unable to attend, for their dedication and service to the Butler Community. Mr. Crawford served as fire chief for 17 years. Other past Fire Chiefs were the late Randy Taylor, Bill Pearson and William “Bill” Thompson.
Attending the celebration were Fire Chief Kurt Kropp and wife Christi, Asist. Chief Todd Benedict; Harold Loyd Owen, Jr. and granddaughter Ana Owen; Bruce Crawford, Hollis Daniel; Chris Isom and wife Renee Brewer Isom; Paul Parrish and Kelly Tyus.
The BVFD was organized in 1984 by Jim Sanders of Fairfield who started the fire department using his personal truck and trailer and a donated foam machine. The first assistant fire chief was the late Czar Perry of the Butler Community. A year later in 1985, the BFVD received its first fire truck from the Freestone County Commissioners.
In 1987, the first fire station was built by Mr. Sanders on the corner of US Hwy 84 and FM 489. In 2003, four acres were donated by the late Juliette M. Davis for a larger permanent fire station area one mile further east on Hwy 84.
The BVFD second fire station was built in 2006, and the kitchen area was named “Grady’s Kitchen” in honor of Grady Fruge who was a dedicated supporter of the BVFD.
In 2009, BVFD added two additional doors to accommodate the larger fire trucks. In 2010, a helicopter pad was added and dedicated to past Fire Chief William “Bill” Thompson. The helicopter pad has been a valuable asset to the community in medical emergencies.
Chief Kropp stated that the BVFD also has open enrollment for community members who would like to volunteer at the department. To apply or just see what our VFD is all about, come to a meeting on the third Thursday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the fire department located at 1354 Highway 84 East in Oakwood. Submitted by Kelly Tyus.
At top: RECOGNIZED FOR THEIR SREVICE in the Butler Community at the celebration dinner were l-r: Harold Loyd Owen, Jr.; Bruce Crawford, Hollis Daniel and Kurt Kropp. (Submitted Photo)
