After more than 30 years of dedicated volunteer service with The Salvation Army, Dave Freriks is being honored by the State of Texas, receiving the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Award.
The 86-year-old started volunteering with the Texas South Plains Salvation Army in 1995. He helped establish the organization’s local disaster response program, building and training a network of responders who have supported almost 700,000 people affected by fires, floods, tornadoes and emergencies throughout the south. Freriks has also served as a Salvation Army advisory board member and supported the annual Red Kettle Campaign.
A secret service agent for several decades, Freriks worked in intelligence and served in the northeast before being transferred to Texas. All the time he’s spent in the service of others led to Lubbock State Representative Carl Tepper to nominate him for the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards.
“We actually go right into the areas where the disaster occurred and provide whatever supplies The Salvation Army gives us,” Freriks said. “We don’t care who they are. If someone needs help, we give it to them.”
“For more than 30 years, Dave Freriks has faithfully served alongside The Salvation Army in disaster response, bringing hope, compassion and practical assistance to communities during some of their most difficult moments,” said Major Russel Clay with The Salvation Army. “His leadership and servant’s heart have strengthened our ability to respond when people need help the most. This recognition from the Governor of Texas is a fitting tribute to a lifetime of extraordinary volunteer service.”
Freriks said there’s not always a direct reward for helping others – but for him, it’s personal.
“You may help in someone’s moment of need or even save a life. But serving in this way gives you an even better feeling,” he said.
Despite his age, he has no plans to stop and is encouraging others in the community to volunteer as well.
“Well, it’s always needed. There are people always needing help,” Freriks said.
