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    <title>Harper Volunteer Fire Department Blog</title>
    <link>https://www.harpervfd-ems.com</link>
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      <title>Harper Volunteer Fire Department Blog</title>
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      <title>Miss Flame Applications Open</title>
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           Applications open for Miss Flame Court 2026/2027.
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           Applications are due May 1st.  Please contact secretary@harpervfd-ems.com with questions.     
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           APPLICATION
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      <pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:29:53 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Meet our Miss Flame Court</title>
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           The Harper Tradition Continues
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            We are so proud to announce our Miss Flame Court - Macey Taylor and Kelly Nelms.  These young ladies represent not only HVFD but the community of Harper. 
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            This past weekend they debuted at the Harper Frontier Days Parade. 
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      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:02:42 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Swift Water Training</title>
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           HVFD Members Complete Flood and Swift Water Rescue Training
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           Six members of the Harper Volunteer Fire Department recently completed a three-day Flood and Swift Water Rescue training course. This was not just classroom learning. The training took place in live water, requiring participants to perform actual rescues in fast-moving conditions. It was physically intense and included the use of rescue boats, giving our firefighters realistic practice in the kind of emergencies we may face here in the Hill Country.
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           Beyond the technical skills, the training gave our members the chance to work closely with firefighters from the Doss Volunteer Fire Department. These shared experiences build trust and strengthen the bond between departments, which is especially important when we respond together on mutual aid calls. Training side by side helps ensure that when an emergency happens, we already have the confidence and teamwork needed to keep our community safe.
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           We are proud of the six members who completed this rigorous course and grateful for their commitment to constant improvement. Another three members of HVFD are scheduled to attend this same training in the fall, further increasing our department’s readiness and capability.
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      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 16:21:09 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>the "new" Med 18</title>
      <link>https://www.harpervfd-ems.com/the-new-med-18</link>
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           The "new" Med 18 Joins the HVFD Service
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            After years of fundraising and work Harper VFD welcomed our new Med 18 into service.  This ambulance offers 4 wheel drive which should make call response in adverse conditions safer. 
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      <pubDate>Sat, 13 Sep 2025 15:45:13 GMT</pubDate>
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      <title>Meet Your Volunteer Firefighters</title>
      <link>https://www.harpervfd-ems.com/my-post</link>
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           Meet Your Volunteer Firefighters
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           At Harper VFD, we’re more than just first responders — we’re your neighbors. Our dedicated volunteers come from all walks of life but share one mission: protecting Harper. From local ranchers to retired military veterans, our team is proud to serve with heart, grit, and courage. Stay tuned for our upcoming "Meet a Firefighter" series to learn more about the people behind the gear.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:35:52 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>rob@bluetorch.net (Rob Frierson)</author>
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      <title>Join the Harper VFD Family</title>
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           Join the Harper VFD Family
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           Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Harper VFD is always looking for new volunteers — not just firefighters! We need dispatchers, equipment maintenance support, and event helpers too. No experience? No problem. We provide all necessary training. Call us or stop by our station on Wednesday nights to learn more.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:31:57 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>rob@bluetorch.net (Rob Frierson)</author>
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      <title>Wildfire Preparedness Tips</title>
      <link>https://www.harpervfd-ems.com/wildfire-preparedness-tips</link>
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           Wildfire Preparedness Tips
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           Dry conditions in the Hill Country mean wildfire risk is always a concern. Take simple steps now to protect your property: clear brush 30 feet from your home, have an evacuation plan, and keep emergency supplies ready. Need help understanding your risk? Call Harper VFD — we’re here to help you stay safe before the flames ever start.
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      <pubDate>Thu, 26 Jun 2025 21:28:41 GMT</pubDate>
      <author>rob@bluetorch.net (Rob Frierson)</author>
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