Operations Division

Corey Edwards

Fire Chief

Fire Chief Corey Edwards has served as the Ander-Weser Volunteer Fire Chief since 2011, providing steadfast leadership to the department in Goliad County, Texas. As a former NCO in the United States Marine Corps, Chief Edwards brings proven discipline, leadership, and operational expertise to his role. He has attended multiple training schools, including TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service), enhancing his skills and those of the department. Under his guidance, the Ander-Weser VFD has become the leading fire department in Goliad County, known for its strong response capabilities, community commitment, and professional standards.

Joel Kordik

Assistant Fire Chief

Joel Comes to the department with a wealth of knowledge in Firefighting and Fire ground Operations. He has 14 years of service in both volunteer and career fire departments. He has extensive experience in 911 EMS. He is also the Certification Coordinator and over sees all the training officers. Joel holds his TCFP Intermediate Firefighter, Driver Operator Pumper, Driver Operator Aerial, Instructor 1, Ropes Rescue Technician, Hazmat Technician, Basic Wildland Firefighter, Skills Examiner. SFFMA Firefighter 2, Instructor 1. TXDSHS Paramedic and EMS Instructor. He is working on getting his Officer 1 & 2, and Instructor 2 & 3.

Mark Jacobs

Captain

Mark is a dedicated and highly valued member of our team. He has proudly served as Fire Captain for the past two years and has been an integral part of the department for several years prior, bringing extensive experience across a wide range of firefighting operations, emergency response, and leadership roles. As a member of a multi-generational family of firefighters, Mark carries forward a deep legacy of service and tradition. His combination of long-term institutional knowledge, practical expertise, and unwavering commitment makes him an invaluable asset to the entire department.

Jesse Ortega

Lieutenant

Jesse Ortega is our newest addition to the Fire Department. Coming from industrial firefighting, where he gained extensive management experience and worked in demanding high-risk environments, Lt. Ortega brings strong leadership and decision-making skills to our team.

He holds multiple Pro Board and TEEX certifications, reflecting his high level of professional training. Always ready to respond—whether it’s a fire, medical call, or other emergency—Jesse is dedicated, reliable, and eager to serve our community.

Robert Ellis

Lieutenant and Training Officer

Robert exemplifies the spirit of volunteer service as a committed firefighter with several years of dedicated tenure. Through participation in numerous rigorous training courses, he has built a strong foundation of expertise and stays current with best practices in emergency response. In his vital role within the Training Division, Robert contributes significantly to the professional development of the department. His achievements include earning SFFMA Intermediate Firefighter and Instructor 1 certifications, underscoring his technical competence and leadership in both operational and instructional capacities.

Alden Bade

Firefighter Responder

Alden has been with the department for a very long time and is a key member. He brings experience and energy to the Operations Division.

Gerald Griffith

Firefighter Responder

Gerald Has been with the department for several years. He is a dedicated member who never backs down from a call.

Lindsey Jacobs

Firefighter Responder

Lindsey is the daughter of of Mark Jacobs and just like her father she is very dedicated. She has been with the department probably for as long as she can remember.

Gene Moreland

Firefighter Responder

Gene has been with the department for a few years. He is always ready to respond to a call and never stops training.

Adam Lambrezer

Firefighter Responder

Adam has been with the department for several years and is a valuable member of the operation division.

Misty Ortega

Firefighter Responder

Misty is our newest addition to the Operations Division.

Arron Moreland

Junior Member

Arron is the son of Gene. Arron works with his father when not doing school and started responding to calls that way.

Colton Edwards

Junior Member

Colton Is the son of Corey. He started off always coming to events and trainings from a young age.