Keith Payne started his first responder career path at 18 years old with the West Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department in Lubbock. Thirty years later, he is still protecting his community as a Horseshoe Bay firefighter. Staff photo by Nathan Bush

Keith Payne started his first responder career path at 18 years old with the West Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department in Lubbock. Thirty years later, he is still protecting his community as a Horseshoe Bay firefighter. Staff photo by Nathan Bush

Horseshoe Bay firefighter Keith Payne has known since he was a little boy in the Texas Panhandle that he wanted to help people, so when he was 18 years old, he joined the West Carlisle Volunteer Fire Department in Lubbock.
“I always thought it would be fun,” Payne said. “I like helping people, and giving back to the community has always been important to me.”
Almost 30 years later, Payne continues to serve his local community, now as an engineer, EMT-B, and arson investigator for the Horseshoe Bay Fire Department. He has been a member of the department since 2004.
With these titles, Payne is tasked with driving the fire engine onto active scenes, handling equipment and water supply during fires, providing emergency care, and investigating the cause and origin of fires.
“I enjoy the schedule and working with the local community,” he said. “I also love the camaraderie among our crews.”
Payne also loves how active his job allows him to be.
“I could never see myself in a desk job,” he said. “It’s great being able to get out and about.”
His service to community earned him a 2023 Locals Love Us Favorite First Responder award, voted on by The Picayune Magazine readers and KBEY 103.9 FM Picayune Radio listeners.
“I’m honored, but I didn’t expect it,” Payne said. “Thank you to whoever nominated me. I hope I can continue to build positive relationships and give back to the community over the rest of my career.”
Above all else, Payne is thankful for the everlasting support of Horseshoe Bay residents.
“The Horseshoe Bay community treats us well,” he said. “They bring us food and goodies to the station. We really like it when kids stop by to see the fire trucks. We feel the love and appreciate it.”
Flip through the digital 2023 Locals Love Us magazine for a full list of winners.
nathan@thepicayune.com