ESD #1 Considers Expansion of Warning/Alarm Systems

By Gloria Way

  The Emergency Services District #1 (ESD#1) met for its monthly meeting last week. Because of the catastrophic events in Kerr County two weeks ago, discussion ensued about the possibility of having warning or alarm sirens installed in strategic places within the district to warn of possible tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. Since the item was not on the agenda, President David Murrell ask that it be on next month’s agenda for further discussion.

  The board heard a presentation from Buddy Land, fire chief at Jack Brooks airport in Beaumont, about a community needs assessment regarding fire services in the district. Land was asked to present a proposal for services for developing the community needs assessment for next month’s meeting. Land said that if he and the board came to an agreement regarding the needs assessment, it would take six to eight months to complete.

  The discussion of a needs assessment started a couple of months ago when the Winnie Stowell Volunteer Fire Department’s fire chief asked the board to consider buying a ladder truck. The cost of a ladder truck is about $1.5 million. Even if the board agreed, the current building where the fire trucks are housed would not be able to accommodate a ladder truck. And specially trained personnel would be needed to operate the ladder truck.

 The board is basically in favor of a community needs assessment. Cost will be the determining factor. The fire department has outgrown its current location. The building needs a lot of costly repairs and maintenance and the question arises as to whether you fix it or build another facility elsewhere. As Murrell said last meeting, “Repairing this building would be like putting lipstick on a pig.”

  The board also tabled agenda item #10 which tabled hiring Texas Hydrant Services to map, inspect, and repair fire hydrants within the District. The board approved engaging auditor Robert Moreno and Associates for the 2024-2025 audit.