Efforts to beef up Kendall County's volunteer fire departments continue to draw accolades from officials, including a statewide cooperative of county governments.

The latest praise is coming from the Texas Association of Counties, which is awarding Kendall County and the Bergheim Volunteer Fire Department one of its 11 County Best Practices Awards.

Presented every two years, the awards highlight effective initiatives and recognize counties for creative, practical approaches to local government challenges and improved services, officials said.