Kerrville FD presented with multiple checks

The Kerrville Fire Department accepted two checks on Wednesday from former Battalion Chief Ray Crooks’ mother, Gert, and the Ingram Bass Club, which held an event in Crooks’ honor in September at Lake Amistad. Crooks, who founded the water operations team at KFD, died in 2006 from cancer after more than 35 years with the department.

Gert Crooks dropped a check off for $1,000 as a donation in memory of Ray’s 63rd birthday last week. The Ingram Bass Club raised $1,793 from the September fishing tournament.

“We want to thank the Ingram Bass Club and Gert Crooks for their very generous donations,” said Robert Ojeda, KFD chief. “Ray passed away in 2006, and although I wasn’t here then, he was a great officer, a great battalion chief and a great inspiration to the department. So much so, that the department really didn’t know what to do without him. He was very instrumental in creating the water operations team.”

The team began in 1983.

“Ms. Crooks’ came by headquarters last week and left an envelope with ‘a little donation,’” Ojeda said. “When we opened the card and it contained $1,000, that wasn’t a little donation. These guys behind me will always remember Ray, and we thank (Gert) very much.”

The money will go toward water rescue rope equipment that is needed by the team.

“This money is a pleasant surprise, and will go to finish our wish list of rope equipment,” said Tony Lenard, battalion chief at KFD.

Ray Crooks’ son, Shane, and former wife, Patsy Crooks, also attended the ceremony.
By Conor Harrison in The Kerrville Daily Times