Needham Fire & Rescue/ Montgomery County ESD#4

05/31/2026

Thirteen years ago today, May 31, 2013, the Houston Fire Department experienced its darkest day.

A five-alarm fire at the Southwest Inn on the Southwest Freeway brought crews from Stations 51 and 68 to what would become the deadliest incident in HFD history. As firefighters worked to search and suppress the blaze, the roof collapsed, trapping crews inside.

Four firefighters were killed that day. A fifth, Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling, lost both legs in the fire and passed away in 2017 from complications related to his injuries.

We remember Captain Matthew Renaud, Engineer Operator Robert Bebee, Firefighter Robert Garner, Probationary Firefighter Anne Sullivan, and Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling.

They sacrificed everything. We will never forget.

05/30/2026

Happy Birthday to Colwyn Lee, Montgomery County ESD 4 I.T. Manager!

05/29/2026

Station 62-C took some time this tour to complete a quick drill on Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations with our probationary firefighter.

RIT is a designated team of firefighters assigned to stand by during emergency incidents and respond immediately if a firefighter becomes lost, trapped, injured, or in need of assistance inside a hazardous environment. These operations require strong communication, teamwork, and constant situational awareness.

Training like this helps ensure our crews are prepared to protect not only the community, but also each other when seconds matter most.

05/29/2026

Another close call today as a lifeless child was pulled from a public swimming pool in west Montgomery County.

Fortunately, two medical professionals were nearby and were able to resuscitate the child. Montgomery Firefighters and MCHD EMS responded to continue patient care and transport the victim for definitive treatment.

22 Texas children have drowned so far in 2026, including 2 in Montgomery County. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for kids under the age of five and toddlers.

We can prevent these tragedies if we all “Watch Kids around Water”.

Click on the link for more information and safety tips.

https://getparentingtips.com/toddlers/safety/water-safety-for-kids

05/28/2026

The hottest months of the year are nearly here. 🔥🌡️

Parents — here is the data you need to know to keep your little ones safe this summer. ⬇️

05/27/2026

We are only FOUR DAYS away from the end of our Book Drive, and the support from our community continues to amaze us!

A huge thank you to Matt Ellis, owner of Conroe Book Donations - Lone Star Book Rescue, for the incredible donation of books and educational materials towards our drive. Contributions like this will help put more books into the hands of children throughout our community and encourage a love for reading.📚

Community partnerships like this are what make Montgomery County so special, and we are truly grateful for the generosity and support.

There’s still time to donate! If you would like to contribute to our Book Drive, please reach out to District Chief Nichols at 936-514-2453 or [email protected].

05/26/2026

📚Only 5 Days Left in Our Children’s Book Drive! 🚒

There’s still time to help us support Children's Books on Wheels and make a difference for children across Montgomery County! Donate new or gently used children’s books at any of our fire stations through May 31st.

Two of our local business have some sweet treats they are offering:

Jeremiah's Italian Ice - 10463 TX 242 #210 - Drop off a book, receive a FREE ice cream sandwich! (One ice cream sandwich per donation.)

Tropical Smoothie Cafe are offering a FREE smoothie coupon when you donate 4 or more books to our book drive!🥤

To receive coupon details or schedule a large donation pickup, contact District Chief Nichols:
📞 936-514-2453
📧 [email protected]

Every book donated helps inspire young readers and supports literacy throughout our community. Thank you for helping us fill young minds with great books! 📖❤️

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05/25/2026

Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of swim season and historically one of the deadliest stretches of the year for child drownings. Learn more about water safety for kids at the DFPS Ge…

05/25/2026

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend, it is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made to protect the freedoms we enjoy every day.

As we spend time with family and friends, let us never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice and the families who continue to carry their memory forward. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

From all of us at Needham Fire & Rescue / Montgomery County ESD #4, we thank all who have served and remember those who gave everything for our nation.

We hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day🇺🇸

05/24/2026