It was a hot time at the fire house, but the heat was generated by hot rock and roll.

Years of planning, coupled with blood, sweat and tears, came into fruition with a bang Sept. 26 as the Pedernales Fire Department Auxiliary held a benefit concert at PFD’s new central station.
Those on hand were treated to great barbecue, an impressive silent auction [featuring a guitar signed by Willie Nelson, a Briarcliff resident], and fantastic music provided by the dynamic Two Tons of Steel, a rockabilly band that brought amazing energy to the event.
When it was all said and done, organizers could not have been more thrilled.
“We are so pleased with this concert and barbecue,” said Lisa Brooks, PFD auxiliary president. “We had tremendous support from the community and from Pedernales Fire Department which always makes our events successful. Our sponsors were very generous and we were impressed with the quality of all the donations for the silent auction.”
With the Nelson guitar as the centerpiece [donated by Strait Music], the silent auction proved to be a rousing success. When the bidding was over, organizers were ecstatic to see the collector’s item auctioned by FF Kyle Swarts for $2,050.
“Our wonderful volunteers are one of the main reasons that our events are so successful,” Brooks said. “We had between 25-30 volunteers who helped with everything from set-up, to serving, and clean-up.”
Brooks said the event was picture perfect.
“The wonderful barbecue and fixings were all prepared by Pat Schilhab from Point Venture and Anne Aiken who is our newest auxiliary board member,” she said. “We also deeply appreciate the support and assistance from Matthew Franek who suggested this event more than a year ago. Matthew has produced more than 300 music events and he was a great help through the whole process.”
Pedernales Fire Department Auxiliary Board members are Lisa Brooks, Neva Biggs, Page Graves, Amy Clabaugh, Vikki Roye, Anne Aiken, Mary Christopher and Tiffany Gonzales.
All proceeds from the fundraisers go to Pedernales Fire Department.
The department is excited to finally move into the new station, which is on the site of the old firehouse, which was torn down to make room for a newer, modern facility that will meet the needs of the department’s growing population.
The old station was demolished in the spring of 2008, and construction on the new station officially commenced in October 2008. After K.A. Hickman Architects completed the plans, Braun & Butler was hired to take charge of construction. Richard All was the construction manager. Meanwhile Lott kept a close eye on the project as the construction supervisor for the ESD 8. ArborMaster worked closely with Lott to design and install the landscaping.
Fundraiser sponsors are listed on the PFD web site, www.pedernalesemergency.org