Monica Pena, a Riviera resident who lost her home in a fire last month, asked Kleberg County Commissioners Monday to consider action on the urgency of fire response in rural areas and encouraged the hiring of full-time firefighters and EMT personnel.

Pena’s historic 100 yearold home burnt to the ground after being struck by lightning on May 18.

Pena said it took 15 minutes for fire personnel to get to her home.

“I am concerned with the fact that there is great equipment and great resources available, but there are no people to man them,” Pena told the Commissioners Court at its regular meeting.

The Ricardo Volunteer Fire Department was the first to respond to her home, and despite the fact that it was raining during the fire, it was too late for the house to be saved.

“Me and my son were able to get out in time, but I fear for older citizens in the area who may not be so lucky,” Pena said.

“I am extremely grateful for the volunteers and what they do, and I have spoken with many who said they would be interested in a full-time position if it were

County available,” Pena said.

“Even possibly combining the Ricardo and Riviera Volunteer Fire Departments into one solid unit is another idea to explore.”

She also asked the court to consider the fact that many citizens in Ricardo, Riviera, and the outskirts of Kingsville live in an area, which is prone to dry spells, and it is the main fire hazard of the county and attention needs to be recognized for this problem.

The county commissioners agreed with Pena and discussed ideas to be implemented in order to solve this problem in the future.

Kleberg County Judge Pete De La Garza discussed the possibility of adding a sales tax to retail items bought in that particular area of the county.

“Some of those funds could be earmarked for EMS and fire, and we could get better assistance out there,” De La Mother Julia Garza said.

Kleberg County Commissioner Roy Cantu whose precinct 2 includes Ricardo and Riviera, suggested creating a committee to discuss the best ideas to solve the problem.

“We need to start getting a plan into action with citizens’ input, such as what Mrs. Pena has presented today,” Cantu said. “She has come forth with some great ideas, and I would like to hear from other citizens as well.”

Cantu said he is currently exploring every resource possible including funding and grants, which could be used towards the volunteer fire departments.

Romeo Lomas, precinct 4 county commissioner suggested a 24-hour skeleton crew that would be at the fire department at all times which would allow for the volunteer firefighters; many who work full-time jobs out of town, to only be called in for backup as needed.

Pena said she was very pleased with the recommendations, and grateful that the commissioners understood the urgency of the problem.

“I do not know how the court operates completely, but there has go to be a way to get this done,” Pena said. “I do not want what happened to me to happen to anyone else.”

After discussion, Cantu called for a committee of county commissioners to be assembled as soon as possible so that they can further discuss the issue and implement ideas effectively. The commissioners court approved forming a com-mittee.