What a wonderful year-end visit with Rockport's Finest: The Volunteer Fire/Rescue Department! Established in 1885, this department of heroic men and women today still protects our community and services a countywide area of 30,000 citizens with pride and professionalism.
Importantly, these 50 employees are NOT paid, they work as volunteers; of their own choice and are passionate about what they do. This saves the City of Rockport and Aransas County millions of dollars per year. When these brave people aren't volunteering, they are husbands, fathers, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends with other careers and interests. We can't thank them enough for their service.
Chief Albert Howie and Assistant Chief and Aransas County Constable Doc Thomas made me feel welcome as I learned more about the Department. My tour was arranged and conducted by Firefighter and Instructor, #185 Edward Welch,
who has been fighting fires since the 1980's and a leader in the force for the last 4 1/2 years.
Importantly, these 50 employees are NOT paid, they work as volunteers; of their own choice and are passionate about what they do. This saves the City of Rockport and Aransas County millions of dollars per year. When these brave people aren't volunteering, they are husbands, fathers, mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends with other careers and interests. We can't thank them enough for their service.
Chief Albert Howie and Assistant Chief and Aransas County Constable Doc Thomas made me feel welcome as I learned more about the Department. My tour was arranged and conducted by Firefighter and Instructor, #185 Edward Welch,
who has been fighting fires since the 1980's and a leader in the force for the last 4 1/2 years. Training is an integral part of keeping the force at optimal operating ability. In fact, much of the training takes place at the RVFD Fire Training Academy. While I was there, the Officers were conducting a training class on CPR, First Aid, and training with defibrillators.
The Rockport Volunteer Fire Department is extremely busy, averaging approximately 50 calls per month; over 500 for 2009. These rescue responses using 14 trucks include but are not limited to: car accidents, brush fires, gas spills, power line outages, bomb threats, pesky bees, air crashes, and area lock downs. They assist local
and state law enforcement with a powerful "jaws of life" in a collaborative effort.
Over 4,000 people die annually from fires; therefore it is important that we all develop fire safety plans for ourselves and our families. Every home should have at least one working fire alarm. Changing your batteries in the fire alarms and making sure they are functional is key: doubling your chance for survival in a fire. For more information on fire safety: http://www.firesafety.gov/w.firesafety.gov/.
Chief Howie emphasized the fact that they are always hiring and training anyone interested in joining the force. Prospective firefighters should come to the Main Fire House on Thursday Nights at 7:30pm. Also, please learn more about the RVFD at http://www.rockportvfd.org/
The Rockport Volunteer Fire Department is extremely busy, averaging approximately 50 calls per month; over 500 for 2009. These rescue responses using 14 trucks include but are not limited to: car accidents, brush fires, gas spills, power line outages, bomb threats, pesky bees, air crashes, and area lock downs. They assist local
and state law enforcement with a powerful "jaws of life" in a collaborative effort.Over 4,000 people die annually from fires; therefore it is important that we all develop fire safety plans for ourselves and our families. Every home should have at least one working fire alarm. Changing your batteries in the fire alarms and making sure they are functional is key: doubling your chance for survival in a fire. For more information on fire safety: http://www.firesafety.gov/w.firesafety.gov/.
Chief Howie emphasized the fact that they are always hiring and training anyone interested in joining the force. Prospective firefighters should come to the Main Fire House on Thursday Nights at 7:30pm. Also, please learn more about the RVFD at http://www.rockportvfd.org/
I may join the RVFD just to get the World Famous BBQ recipe!
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