About Us:
Humble Beginnings
What became the North Zulch Volunteer Fire Department was originally founded in the 1960's and briefly operated. It was reorganized in 1972, and formally chartered with the State of Texas in 1976. Located at 11717 Fifth Street at the intersection of Trinity Ave, it started as a 2 vehicle garage with office a meeting room. An "air raid" siren was used for alerting firefighters to respond to the station, as portable radios were a rarity back then.
Since that time, the department has expanded the original station, added apparatus, and undertook a multi-year fundraising effort to build a new fire station. The first phase of that building project was completed Fall 2024, with a 60 x 90 apparatus bay that allowed us to move all of our trucks indoors and out of the weather. We are now dispatched by the Madison County Sheriff's Department and communicate on a trunked digital radio system as part of the Brazos Valley Wide Area Communications System.
We currently have 20 active members and 9 Auxiliary members who volunteer their time and talents to the community of North Zulch, Texas
Fire Chief Chuck Wiedecker
Pictured at right, Chuck Wiedecker became chief of department in July 2025. He brings over a decade of fire experience
Assistant Chief Pat Coveney
Pictured at right, Assistant Chief Pat Coveney assumed office in July 2025. He brings over 30 years of Fire and EMS experience.
Captain Harold Sapp
Lieutenant Cody Bartula
Lieutenant Cody Bartula
Harold Sapp brings decades of experience as a firefighter to the department. He has served as a training captain and fire chief in the past. He was reappointed to the Captain role with focus on Training and Suppression/Operations in July 2025. Photo pending
Lieutenant Cody Bartula
Lieutenant Cody Bartula
Lieutenant Cody Bartula
Cody Bartula was appointed Lieutenant with a focus on Suppression/Operations in July 2025. Photo Pending
Lieutenant Dave Staten
Lieutenant Cody Bartula
Secretary Vance Ballard
Dave Staten was appointed Lieutenant with a focus on Communications and Medical in July 2025. He has been a paramedic for 35 years and has over a decade of firefighting experience. Photo Pending
Secretary Vance Ballard
Secretary Vance Ballard
Secretary Vance Ballard
Vance Ballard has been a member of the department for over a decade, and is a registered nurse. In addition to being custodian of records he is also the department Training Coordinator. Photo Pending
Treasurer Bryan Kyle
Secretary Vance Ballard
Treasurer Bryan Kyle
Bryan Kyle is a retired career law enforcement officer who manages the departmental finances and banking records. Photo Pending
Featured Firefighter
Secretary Vance Ballard
Treasurer Bryan Kyle
Watch this space for coming features on our amazing team of volunteers.
