01/23/2024
GREETINGS FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS,
As many of you have heard, there will be some changes to the structure of Thomas Lake Road VFD.
• TLRVFD is posting this message to keep you in the loop, as this department exists solely due to the countless hours and days of support from this amazing community.
• This department was built and operated for decades by volunteers of the Thomas Lake Road Community all of which have given of themselves tirelessly. There are not enough words to accurately describe our pride in this department.
• With that said, it is true that TLRVFD and Riverside VFD are in the process of a merge.
• Both departments have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The process of the merge is expected to take up to 3 months.
• TLRVFD station will retain its name but it will be an extension of the Riverside VFD.
WE ARE SURE YOU ARE WONDERING WHY THIS IS HAPPENING. HERE ARE REASONS AND OUR EXPLANATIONS.
1. Tactical volunteerism has declined to a point that the call volume is not being covered at a level that we or the ESD see as acceptable. We just don't have enough volunteers to cover the call volume. This is a problem throughout the ESD, not just TLRVFD.
2. To address the above-mentioned problem the ESD Commissioners have elected to implement a Fire Duty Crew (paid firefighters) based on years of strategic planning committee input from all three departments. This paid “duty crew” will be created and operated through Riverside VFD. This duty crew is not currently intended to replace the volunteers but rather be an additional resource to our communities.
3. Due to the lack of call response TLRVFD has been in jeopardy of losing its contract with the ESD which would have likely resulted in complete station closure and the ESD taking possession of the property and assets.
4. With the ESD decision to implement firefighting operations and the duty crew through RVFD, our only option was to merge if we wish to remain in the decision-making process that would affect our area. While this was a tough pill for us to swallow, we must keep in mind that the ultimate purpose of a fire department is to preserve life and property and, in this regard, we are currently struggling. If this merge will allow us to improve service to you the resident, then it is the right move to make in our opinion, even if it does hurt our pride a little bit.
WHAT CHANGES CAN I EXPECT?
• We will operate with Riverside as one department under the direction of one board. Currently one of our board members from TLRVFD will fill the Treasurer position on the new RVFD board. The board make-up is subject to change with new elections so we could eventually end up with more or less representation. That is dependent upon community involvement and again willingness to volunteer and be involved.
• Ben Crocker will be the Fire Chief for the combined department.
• The plan for implementing a duty crew will begin immediately following budget allotments from the ESD. It will be implemented and managed by the RVFD board of directors and funded through the ESD. However, as RVFD volunteers, we will have an opportunity to participate in the conversations that will design this paid crew and how it is managed. Ultimately, the board will make its own decisions but we will at a minimum have a seat at the table to discuss our suggestions and potential issues.
• Currently the ESD is working out the details with Commissioners Court to potentially have an ambulance stationed somewhere in our district. This would be a huge asset as about 75 to 80 % of our calls for help are medical in nature.
COMMUNITY ROOM USAGE
1. Organizations will still have the ability to utilize the community room.
2. Rental of the facility will continue under the current contract.
SUMMATION
• While we are deeply saddened that circumstances beyond our control have brought us to this point. We are excited for the opportunity to continue to serve our community.
• While we will be operating under a different executive board it will still be the same volunteers doing the same job in the same community, hopefully with the additional benefit of more assistance.
• In the event you would like more information or you still have questions we will be hosting two community meetings to address your concerns.
DATES FOR COMMUNITY MEETINGS
• Saturday, February 3 at 11:00 am
• Monday, February 5 at 6:30 pm
• PLEASE TEXT YOUR QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE TO CHARLENE CROCKER AT 936-662-1889 so we can be sure to have answers for you at the meeting.
• We will also take questions from the floor at these meetings
• There will be representatives from ESD and RVFD at these meetings...
Thank you so much for your ongoing support. As stewards of this beloved TLRVFD we sincerely hope you are not overly disappointed and we continue to look forward to a brighter future. Given the circumstances we are sure we have made some errors along the way. However, we feel that we have made the decisions that will allow us the opportunity to continue to serve this community for the years to come.
