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What happens when three lifelong Pflugerville residents with over two centuries of combined local knowledge gather in a historic Sears kit home to share stories? Pure magic.

In this special heritage edition of Pflugerville on Fire, I sit down with Vernagene Mott, Glenn Schiller, and David Gabert at the beautifully preserved Heritage House Museum. Together, they recall stories of Pflugerville's past, from the legendary 55-game football winning streak that put our small town on the national map to harrowing eyewitness accounts of the 1971 fire that nearly destroyed downtown.

The conversation takes us deeper as my guests reveal what it was like growing up speaking German at home, learning English only upon entering school, and how World War II changed the cultural landscape of Pflugerville overnight. You'll hear about government authorities monitoring German-speaking residents, families butchering their own pork and using "every part of the pig except the squeal," and the cultural traditions that shaped our community's identity.

The Heritage House itself tells an extraordinary story - built from a Sears catalog kit that arrived by train in 1912, assembled by community members, and now standing as a living museum filled with treasures. Each artifact holds personal meaning for my guests, from the pump organ that entertained generations of children to the morning gown that represented a family's status and to the Main Street bench where townspeople gathered every Saturday.

Whether you're a history buff, a longtime resident, or new to Pflugerville, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of our community. Visit the Heritage House yourself on the first Sunday of each month, and consider supporting the Heritage House Partners in their mission to preserve these irreplaceable stories for future generations. After all, as Vernagene wisely notes, "We're leaving a heritage and we are also living legacies."

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We kick off season two with the exciting launch of the Pflugerville Firefighters Foundation, a nonprofit created to make our community safer, support firefighters during hardship, and fund scholarships for firefighters' children.

• Partnering with Kati Coffee, a specialty roaster owned by scientists David McConville and Miriam Diop who donate 14% of sales from our custom blend
• Surprise announcement of a $10,000 donation to kickstart the Foundation's mission
• Behind-the-scenes look at the coffee tasting where firefighters selected the "Pfirehouse Blend"
• Visit to Kati Coffee's roastery to learn about the science of coffee roasting and brewing techniques
• First public CPR class already conducted with 14 community members participating
• Season two preview featuring upcoming episodes about Pflugerville's heritage and community connections

Check out the Pflugerville Firefighter's Foundation at pffirefoundation.org and order the Firehouse Blend at katicoffee.com to support our mission.

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Pflugerville is growing, changing and facing real challenges. In season 2 of Pflugerville on Fire, we go beyond the ballot box and out into the community. This season will be packed with insights into where we live. We will explore our history, common connection and what makes us strong. 

This isn't just a podcast. It's a call to action. 

Thanks for your support! 

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On July 20, 1971, a devastating fire swept through downtown Pflugerville, forever changing the trajectory of the Pflugerville Volunteer Fire Department. Retired Chief Ron Moellenberg joins us to recount his firsthand experience of that historic night—how he jumped in to help before ever considering firefighting as a career. With an inadequate water supply and a single tanker, local crews struggled to contain the blaze until reinforcements arrived from surrounding areas. This pivotal event sparked a movement to improve fire protection, eventually leading to the creation of Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2. Join us as we explore the history, resilience, and evolution of fire services in Pflugerville.

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Imagine facing the possibility of losing vital community services, only to witness an extraordinary display of unity that turns the tide. That's exactly what happened in Pflugerville, where the community came together to defeat Proposition A and safeguard the future of their beloved fire department. Join us as we recount the incredible journey. This episode is a testament to the power of collective action and unwavering support, highlighting a campaign that went beyond mere funding—it was about preserving the heart and soul of a community.

The dedication shown by volunteers, community members, and supporters filled the polls with an undeniable sense of purpose, even in the face of opposition. Leaders and community members share their stories. You'll hear the pride in the department and how the community's resilience and unity helped our fire department survive this challenging time. We express our deepest gratitude to everyone involved. Tune in to celebrate this remarkable victory and the profound impact of coming together for a common cause.

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Discover the compelling journey of service and governance with April Griffin, Vice President of the ESD2 Board of Commissioners. April, who has a rich background in the Air Force and as an attorney for the State of Texas, shares the motivations that catapulted her into community service in Pflugerville. Uncover the intricate challenges the board faced, particularly with the implementation of Advanced Life Support (ALS) transport services after Travis County EMS withdrew. Explore the strategic creation of ESD 17 as a funding lifeline and gain insights into the concerns surrounding the non-elected status of board commissioners. This episode offers a glimpse into the complexities of governance and the relentless pursuit of serving the community effectively.

As we conclude this enlightening journey, we reflect on the growth and shared experiences that have enriched both our podcast and community. We extend heartfelt gratitude to our listeners for their unwavering support and invite them to a watch party at Hanover's on November 5th at 7 pm. This gathering will feature a special bonus episode with Chief Ron Moellenberg recounting the historic 1971 fire in downtown Pflugerville, tying perfectly into our community’s rich history. Join us as we continue to foster connections and knowledge sharing, and let's keep the conversation going beyond the podcast. Engage with us, share your thoughts, and be part of this thriving community experience.

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Unlock the secrets behind how fire department ratings influence your property insurance rates with insights from Paul Guerrero, our seasoned insurance expert with deep roots in the Austin area. Join us as Paul demystifies the crucial role of Public Protection Class (PPC) ratings, revealing how these scores directly impact your insurance premiums. Discover the financial implications of an effective fire service and the potential skyrocketing costs if your area shifts to a volunteer fire department. With insurance premiums already climbing sharply from 2020 to 2024, Paul's real-life examples highlight why understanding these dynamics could save you a fortune.

We also tackle the pressing issue of Proposition A and its threat to fire department funding in Pflugerville. This proposition could divert a significant portion of the fire department's sales tax revenue, posing a risk to local services and, by extension, insurance rates. As early voting progresses, our call to action is clear: participate and protect your community's future. We invite you to join us at Hanover's for a watch party, where community involvement turns into cause for celebration. Engage with us, whether in person or online, and let's ensure our collective voice is heard and valued.

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County Commissioner Jeff Travillion of Travis County, Precinct 1, joins us to share his inspiring journey from Mississippi to becoming a dedicated public servant in Texas. With an educational background spanning Jackson State University, Carnegie Mellon, and Harvard, Jeff offers us a glimpse into how his experiences fueled his passion for equity and community development. His story is not just about personal growth; it's a vibrant testament to the power of civic engagement and education as foundational pillars for meaningful change in our communities.

As Pflugerville continues to grow rapidly, Jeff emphasizes the critical importance of having skilled and knowledgeable decision-makers to manage infrastructure demands effectively. We explore the pressing challenges faced by Austin-Travis County EMS and the need for resource allocation to keep pace with this growth. By examining the delicate balance between public service motives and profit, Jeff advocates for decisions grounded in facts to ensure the well-being and safety of the community. The conversation is a call to action for transparent city planning and the involvement of individuals with relevant expertise in shaping the future of our cities.

With election day on the horizon, our dialogue shifts to the significance of community and the importance of voting against Prop A, which threatens to defund the fire department, by actively participating in early voting and showing up at polling locations. The episode is a rallying cry for civic duty, ending with an invitation to join us at Hanover's Draft House in Pflugerville to unite as a community, regardless of the election outcomes. This gathering is more than just a celebration; it's a testament to the strength and solidarity that comes from supporting each other in our shared civic responsibilities.

Don't Defund Pfire Website Link

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What if the future of your city was in your hands? Mayor Victor Gonzales of Pflugerville joins us for a compelling discussion on the city's rapid development, offering an inside look at the innovative strategies shaping its growth. From contracting with ESD2 for essential ambulance and ALS services to reflecting on his nearly two decades of public service, Mayor Gonzales shares personal stories that paint a vivid picture of Pflugerville's transformation from a small town with a volunteer fire department to a bustling community. His commitment to transparency and leadership shines through as he shares his vision for maintaining the safety and well-being of residents amidst these changes.

Join us as we uncover the rich tapestry of community engagement and local politics in Pflugerville, from the 1960s to today. We journey through pivotal moments like the formation of the North Rural Community Advisory Group and a controversial racetrack proposal that spurred significant political change. Mayor Gonzales offers personal insights into the challenges of securing adequate emergency services and the debate between private companies and ESD-2's well-trained paramedics, including his daughter. This episode provides a nuanced look at the complexities of local governance and the necessity of robust emergency response systems, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Pflugerville.

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Who should control the operations of the Emergency Services District—city council or a county-appointed ESD board? Join us as we tackle this pressing question with 30-time Emmy Award winning investigative journalist, Wayne Dolcefino. In this episode we examine the potential fallout from defunding ESD 2, particularly its impact on labor and the equipment essential for public safety.  Wayne shares captivating stories from his career and past investigations and shares his perspective on the intricacies of public safety management.

Our conversation shifts to the financial struggles of maintaining crucial emergency infrastructure in Pflugerville, Texas. From the escalating costs of fire trucks and equipment to the challenges faced by emergency services in rapidly growing areas. We discuss the debate over whether city councils or unelected ESD boards should oversee these services, emphasizing the need for transparency and efficiency.

The episode concludes with a deep dive into the contentious taxation debate, focusing on the potential repercussions of removing sales tax funding from the fire department. We analyze the motivations of groups like Pflugerville Residents for Responsible Taxation and the broader impact on essential services. Tune in as we unpack the implications of repealing sales tax revenue for fire departments, providing a comprehensive look at the forces shaping public safety in Pflugerville into the future.

Watch the investigative stories Wayne has produced that hit close to home:

Rewarding Negligence

Firefight in Pflugerville