We’re thrilled to share some wonderful news! The Pedernales Fire Department has presented the Chief Don Lamb Community Partnership Award, established in honor of Chief Don Lamb’s lasting impact, to our very own PFD Auxiliary, which means it has been awarded to YOU, our remarkable PFD community . This award is a testament to the exceptional community support that is received throughout the year. Congratulations! Please take a moment to read Chief Tony Haden’s remarks from the PFD 2025 Awards Banquet.
“Honoring the Spirit of Service”
Each year, one of the greatest honors I have as Fire Chief is presenting the Chief Don Lamb Community Partnership Award at our annual banquet. This award is especially meaningful to me because it represents the heart of our department and the very foundation of the American fire service—volunteerism. It is also special because it was created by members of our department who advocated for creating an award that recognizes this important tie to our community.
The Pedernales Fire Department began over 50 years ago as a volunteer organization, just as many fire departments across the country did. While our department has evolved into a career organization, we remain deeply connected to our roots. The Chief Don Lamb Community Partnership Award serves as a reminder of that history, recognizing those who continue the tradition of selfless service by volunteering.
Named in honor of Chief Don Lamb, who dedicated years of service leading our department in its volunteer days, this award celebrates individuals and organizations that embody the same unwavering commitment to our community. Chief Lamb set the stage for all of us who have the privilege of serving today, and I believe this year’s recipients uphold his legacy in an extraordinary way.
At our annual awards banquet this past January, we were proud as a department to present the Pedernales Fire Department Auxiliary with the Chief Don Lamb Community Partnership Award for their continuous service to the members and mission of the Pedernales Fire Department. Their dedication, hard work, and generosity have significantly strengthened our department and enhanced our ability to serve the community. Their organization has done this for decades.
The Auxiliary, the third recipient of the award, join The Lighthouse Restaurant and Lounge and Spicewood Vet Clinic, who share this commitment to supporting our department and community.
The contributions of the Auxiliary over the years have been extraordinary. From raising funds for firefighter mental health resources to securing vital equipment, their efforts directly impact the safety and well-being of our personnel and the community we serve. Just a few of the essential tools they have provided include Hydraulic Rescue Tools, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Glidascopes for our paramedics, and the department’s UTV. Their fundraising efforts even helped us obtain new portable radios, allowing our firefighters to communicate more effectively with other emergency responders throughout the state.
The support of the auxiliary extends beyond equipment and fundraising. They are champions of our firefighters’ well-being, ensuring that we have the resources needed to do our jobs safely and effectively. Their commitment to our mission is a testament to the power of community partnerships, and we are deeply grateful for their ongoing dedication.
Our department is better because of the support of our Auxiliary. Thank you for supporting them so that they can continue to support us. They are definitely a worthy recipient of a wonderful award.
Tony Haden
Fire Chief
Pedernales Fire Department
