Runaway Bay Fire Department

06/03/2026

💦🚒 WHO’S READY FOR THE DUNK TANK? 🚒💦

One of the newest attractions coming to Freedom Fest 2026 is the Patriotic Dunk Tank!

Think you have good aim? Step up and take your shot! For just $5, you’ll get three chances to send a volunteer into the water.

Now the real question is…

👀 Who should be in the tank?

A firefighter?
A city official?
That friend who’s always talking trash? 😆

We’re looking for good sports willing to take the plunge for a great community event and help support one of Runaway Bay’s favorite traditions.

A special thank you to the Bridgeport National Honor Society, which will be operating the Dunk Tank during Freedom Fest as a fundraiser supporting this community event.

Please note: The Dunk Tank is a volunteer-operated Freedom Fest activity and is not affiliated with or operated by the Runaway Bay Fire Department. We are simply helping spread the word about this community event.

🇺🇸 Freedom Fest 2026
📅 June 27, 2026
🎆 Fireworks at Dusk
💦 Dunk Tank Fun from 2–6 PM

Bring the family, enjoy the festivities, and don’t forget to stop by the dunk tank and make a splash!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Memorial Day is more than a long weekend — it is a day of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance for those who never made it home.

As we gather with family and friends, attend ceremonies, fly our flags, and enjoy the freedoms they fought to protect, let us never forget the true meaning of this day.

If you are celebrating this Memorial Day weekend, please keep safety in mind:

• Never drink and drive — designate a sober driver.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the heat.
• Use caution when grilling and keep grills away from structures or dry grass.
• Watch children closely around pools, lakes, and waterways.
• Wear life jackets while boating.
• Be mindful of fireworks and follow all local laws and safety precautions.
• Slow down and watch for increased traffic, motorcycles, and pedestrians.

From all of us at the Runaway Bay Fire Department, we wish everyone a safe Memorial Day as we honor and remember our fallen heroes. 🇺🇸

05/23/2026

This week, we proudly recognize and celebrate National EMS Week and the dedicated emergency medical providers who serve our community every day.

The members of Runaway Bay Fire Department and Wise County EMS work side by side to provide rapid response, lifesaving care, and compassionate service during some of life’s most difficult moments. From medical emergencies and accidents to critical care transport and public assistance, these professionals are always ready to answer the call — day or night.

Their dedication, training, and commitment to protecting the health and safety of our community do not go unnoticed. We are incredibly grateful for the sacrifices they make and the care they provide to the citizens and visitors of Runaway Bay and Wise County.

Please join us in thanking all EMS personnel this week for their service, professionalism, and compassion.

Happy National EMS Week! 🚑🇺🇸

05/16/2026

Today, on Armed Forces Day, we honor the brave men and women who serve and have served in the United States military. Their dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to protecting our nation do not go unnoticed.

Many members of our community have also worn the uniform of our Armed Forces. We are grateful for their continued service both overseas and here at home.

Please join us in thanking all members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force for their courage and sacrifice.

To all who serve — thank you for protecting our freedoms and standing ready when our country calls. 🇺🇸

05/14/2026

May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month 🏍️

As the weather warms up, more motorcycles are hitting the road—and that means it’s more important than ever for everyone to stay alert and share the roadway safely.

🚗 Drivers:• Look twice, save a life—motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to see• Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes or turning• Give motorcycles plenty of space and avoid following too closely

🏍️ Riders:• Always wear proper protective gear, including a helmet• Stay visible—use headlights and wear bright or reflective clothing• Ride within your limits and be mindful of road conditions

🌱 Homeowners & Lawn Crews:• Avoid blowing or mowing grass, leaves, or debris into the roadway• Grass clippings can be as slick as ice for motorcycles and bicycles• Keep driveways and road edges clear to prevent hazardous conditions

A moment of awareness can prevent a lifetime of regret. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe for everyone.

05/12/2026

⚠️ PLEASE READ ⚠️

We’re learning that many residents still may not realize they could qualify for disaster assistance through the SBA - and this is NOT just for homes destroyed in Unit 5.

If you live in Runaway Bay (or anywhere in Wise County) and had storm-related damage, you may qualify for help.

This can include:
• Roof damage or roof deductibles
• Hail damage
• Wind damage
• Vehicle hail damage or deductibles
• Interior home damage
• Sheds, lawn equipment, clothing, and other personal property losses

SBA representatives are available IN PERSON at the Runaway Bay Event Center:
📍 513 Port O Call🕘 Monday–Friday | 9:00 AM–6:00 PM

These are LOW-interest disaster recovery loans for qualified applicants, and representatives can answer questions and help walk residents through the process.

Important things many people don’t realize:
✔️ No payments or interest for the first year
✔️ Interest rates for private individuals currently as low as 2.875%
✔️ You do NOT have to use the full approved amount
✔️ Unused funds can simply be returned

Even if you’re unsure whether you qualify, it is worth stopping by and speaking with a representative.

Please help spread the word to neighbors, friends, and family members who may still be dealing with storm damage but haven’t looked into assistance yet.

🚨 Also note: The Food Pantry and supply distribution center at the Event Center will permanently close Friday at 6:00 PM

05/12/2026

🚑 Lift Assist Calls: More Common Than Many Realize 🚑

One of the most common calls fire departments respond to is a lift assist — helping someone who has fallen and is unable to get back up safely on their own. These calls can involve older adults, individuals recovering from surgery, those with mobility challenges, or people dealing with medical conditions that affect balance and strength.

Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and nationally, millions of fall-related incidents happen every year. While many lift assist calls do not involve serious injuries, some falls can quickly become medical emergencies if help is delayed.

That’s why having a plan in place is so important.

🔑 A Lock Box Can Save Valuable Time 🔑

For residents who may be at higher risk for falls or medical emergencies, having a secure exterior lock box with a house key accessible to emergency responders can make a major difference.

A lock box can help:
• Allow firefighters and EMS to enter quickly without forcing entry
• Prevent damage to doors or windows during emergencies
• Reduce response time when every second matters
• Provide peace of mind for family members and caregivers

This can be especially important for:
• Senior citizens
• Individuals living alone
• People with mobility limitations
• Residents with chronic medical conditions
• Anyone with a history of falls or medical emergencies

We encourage families and caregivers to talk with loved ones about emergency access plans and consider whether a lock box may be a good option for their home. If you choose to get a lock box call the county’s non emergency phone number at (940) 627-5971 and provide the code and location for that box.

The Runaway Bay Fire Department is here to help — but preparation before an emergency happens can make all the difference. ❤️🚒

05/11/2026

Please join us in welcoming the official Runaway Bay Police Department page. 🚔

During National Police Appreciation Week, we would also like to recognize and thank our officers for their continued service and commitment to our community.

The new page will help keep residents informed with public safety updates, traffic alerts, emergency information, and community outreach.

We are proud to serve alongside them every day. 💙

Be sure to give their page a follow!

🚔 Welcome to the official Runaway Bay Police Department page.

During National Police Week, we would like to recognize and thank the men and women who serve and protect our community each day.

This page was created to help keep residents informed through:
• Public safety updates
• Traffic alerts
• Emergency information
• Community notices
• Event updates
• Safety awareness and outreach

We look forward to connecting with the community and sharing important information with the residents of Runaway Bay.

Thank you to our officers for their continued service, professionalism, and commitment to our city.

05/10/2026

If you’re sitting in your recliner and think “what is that sound that’s causing you to get up to go look outside”… YES !! Jesus is currently throwing sonic ice at us. Looks like we are going to get some more rain, Lots of thunder/lighting and…. Yes once again lots of rain!!! Be safe, stay dry and PLEASE don’t eat the sonic ice. Love you !!

Thanks Chief Mike.