East End VFD Banquet was another reminder of Community

JASPER, Texas - East End Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Officer Installation Banquet on Tuesday night at the Jasper Volunteer Fire Department station, recognizing service, welcoming new members and highlighting accomplishments from the past year.

The event featured a meal prepared by Eddie Robinson of Rue’s BBQ and a keynote address by Joe Bill Adams of the Holly Springs community, a former East End firefighter with about 15 years of service. Adams, whose father and stepmother were founding members of the department, spoke on the history of East End VFD and the role of volunteer firefighters in rural communities.

Local officials, firefighters and community leaders attended, including county and emergency services representatives and neighboring fire chiefs. County Judge Mark W. Allen administered the oath of office for the department’s 2026 officers.

East End VFD announced the addition of two new members, Julie Miller and Isaac Teague, and the creation of the Robert K. Gary Sr. Scholarship. The department awarded three scholarships totaling $6,000 to area students.

Department leaders also outlined recent improvements, including a new pump and motor installed on Brush Truck 2 and construction projects at Holly Springs and Station 1 to improve operations during inclement weather.

In 2025, East End VFD responded to 42 calls, drove 1,463 miles and pumped more than 20,000 gallons of water. By comparison, the department answered 44 calls in 2024.

The Chief’s Award was presented to Karen Brodie Oxley for her long-standing service, while Doug Miller was named Firefighter of the Year.

Organizers thanked local businesses for donating door prizes and Jasper VFD for hosting the banquet. Free smoke detectors were also distributed to the public. Department leaders closed the evening by thanking firefighters and their families for their continued dedication and community support.