01/01/2026
So as we move into 2026 I look back at how blessed we are; dropping to a Class 3 Fire Protection was by far the best news, replacing all 15 of our front line engines with brand new color coded fire hose, I personally don’t know of any department in my 40 years of service doing that on all their engines, let alone 15. It was 38,000 feet and 9.8 miles of hose.
Assistance to Firefighters Grant through FEMA for 78 new SCBAs, which was badly needed. Ordering 3 new 3000 gallon tankers; Replacing 103 our duty truck.
All of these things happening in less than 12 months is really a big deal - not many if any rual departments are progressing at the rate we have. First and foremost, our Fire Board has allowed me to manage and achieve the goals and mission I have set forth for our department; without that, no progress could ever happen, especially that fast.
Finally our membership, the men and women serving our communities, make me proud of the work and dedication to all of our NSFD communities.
Some have chosen careers in the fire service, working as professionals in Logansport, Natchitoches, Red River and Shreveport, and others are part-time with full time jobs in other fields, the greatest asset is where we all started volunteering our time. Volunteers are very special and essential to the effectiveness in delivering emergency services in a rural setting. I’ve watched all of you, your entire Firefighter vol/career, knowing you came from North Sabine since I’ve been Chief and I brag on each and every one of y’all every chance I get. Couldn’t be prouder of our group, paid and volunteers alike.
While 2025 probably will never be topped while I’m still your Chief, I never want y’all to forget what we lost this year,
Lyle Angus (Unck) - Zwolle
JP Bilyeu - Union Springs
Jerry Vines - Zwolle
Robert Gross - Noble
I am Thankful for their service to NSFD and will covet their memories I had with each til I’m no longer here.
So come on 2026, let’s keep doing what we do - best fire department ever!!!
Happy New Year
guys and thank you all.
Chief Nick…
….Pride Protecting Sabine…