Ellinger VFD Monument Honors Fallen Firefighter Larry Marusik
In February of 2018, construction of a new meeting/training room for the Ellinger Fire Department got underway. In March of 2018, Larry Marusik, an Ellinger Firefighter, was severely burned and died due to complications of injuries while fighting a grassfire nearby. The Ellinger VFD was committed to honor its fallen comrade. Finally after many delays a dedication ceremony was announced.
On Saturday afternoon, June 5, 2021, at 2 p.m. on behalf of the Ellinger Volunteer Fire Department, Chief Larry Bartosh welcomed approximately 100 guests along with special guests Diane Marusik and her children and grandchildren. After the Pledge of Allegiance the group moved to the front of the fire station for the unveiling ceremony. Ellinger firefighters gathered around the granite monument as it was presented to the community in honor of Larry Marusik. After a moment of silence the group reconvened in the meeting room. Bartosh and Calvin Hlinsky, senior members of the department, related some of the early history of the department, and how it has evolved into the viable modern department it is today.
Next Bartosh introduced Pastor J. Paul Bruhn, guest speaker for the occasion. Bruhn is currently the pastor of the Hondo Methodist Church, and is the Chaplain of the Guadalupe District of the State Firemen’s and Fire Marshall’s Association. He previously served as pastor of the First United Methodist Church of La Grange and chaplain of the La Grange VFD. Bruhn gave moral and spiritual support to Ellinger Firefighters during the weeks following the tragic accident.
At the dedication ceremonies Bruhn spoke of honor, commitment, and dedication of our volunteer firefighters who often put themselves in harms way in order to keep their communities safe. He noted that was exactly what Larry Marusik did on that sultry spring morning; his thoughts were of helping his neighbors.
Next, Bartosh recognized Fayette County Judge Joe Weber who also spoke warmly of the counties’ fire departments. Weber added that the county would continue to provide support and resources for its volunteer fire departments. Bartosh also rec ognized Ellinger’s newly elected Mayor, Matt Mikulenka. Additionally he thanked the Fayetteville VFD for being on standby for the Ellinger VFD during the ceremonies and for its attendance at the event. Schulenburg, La Grange, Round Top, and Muldoon also sent representative fire fighters to the event.
Firefighter Erin Fritsch closed the ceremonies by reading the “Firemen’s Prayer.” The following words were so fitting for the day’s memorial: “When I am called to duty, God—Whenever flames may rage—Give me the strength to save some life— Whatever be its age—Help me embrace a little child—Before it’s too late,--Or some older person—From the horror of that fate.—Enable me to be alert—And hear the weakest shout,--And quickly and efficiently—To put the fire out.—I want to fill my calling—And give the best in me—To guard my neighbor—And protect his property.—And if I according to Your will—I have to lose my life—Please bless with your protecting hand—My children and my wife.” Thank a firefighter and all other first responders for this is their calling.
Finally, guests were served tea, coffee, water, vegetable and meat trays, along with assorted desserts and a specially decorated Italian crème cake. Tables were covered in white overlays and adorned with ivy, small fire hydrants, and floral arrangements. Ruth Horndt and Debbie Hunger decorated for the occasion and the new facilities looked beautiful.
Ellinger SPJST to Meet
Ellinger SPJST Lodge 51 will be meeting on Friday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Ellinger Fire Station.
Ellinger Hermann Sons Life
The Ellinger Hermann Sons Life Lodge will meet on Monday, June 21 at 6 p.m. at the Ellinger Fire Station.
Fayetteville Brethren Church
Fayetteville Brethren Church has services the second and fourth Saturdays of each month at 10 a.m. COVID-19 protocols will be followed. Other services are at Industry Brethren on the second, third and fourth Saturdays at 5 p.m., Wesley Brethren on Sundays at 9 a.m. and Nelsonville Brethren on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. Rev. Mike Groseclose leads all the services. The Nelsonville service is live streamed on Nelsonville Brethren’s Facebook page.
Ellinger Sewer and Water
The Ellinger Sewer and Water Supply Corporation will hold its regular monthly meeting on Monday, June 14 at 7 p.m. at the Ellinger Fire Station. Members are encouraged to attend to hear about the restructuring of the corporation and daily operations.
Heavy Rains
On Saturday evening, June 5, the City of Ellinger was ravaged by heavy rains once again. My rain gauge showed 3.1 inches We are truly in need of some heat and sunshine, so our fields and lawns can dry a bit.
Multiple Car Accident
On Sunday evening June 6, 2021, around 8:00 p.m. the Ellinger VFD responded to a multiple car accident at the intersection of State Hwy 71 and FM 955. There was one human fatality and one canine fatality. One person was air lifted to a medical facility. Another local couple was involved but uninjured. Hwy 71 westbound was shut down for a time and traffic was routed down FM 955 through Fayetteville.
Auto Fire Alarm
Ellinger VFD responded to yet another 911 dispatch at 1:10 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021, shortly after returning home from the first call. It was reported that an auto fire alarm signaled the dispatch to Koehl Road east of Ellinger off of State Hwy 71. Ellinger VFD and Columbus VFD responded but discovered no fire. It was determined that the equipment had malfunctioned.
Ellinger C of C Bingo
The Ellinger Chamber of Commerce will be offering Bingo again this year. Scheduled events are as follows: Saturday, June 26, July 24, Aug. 28, Sept. 11, Oct. 30, and Nov. 13. The doors will open at 4:30 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. You can go to ellingertexas.com for more information.
Birthdays
Birthday wishes are extended to the following June celebrants: Steven Karisch and Kyle Hartmann-12; Stephen Michalsky and Erin Cox-17; Ridge Wessels-21; Riley Longobardi-24; Carissa Karisch and Landon Muesse-25; Chance Weishuhn-26; Tatum Smidovec and David Michalsky-27; Diana Young-29.