BEE CREEK CURRENT
BEE CREEK CURRENT
Spicewood, TX 78669
ph: 512-264-1323
fax: 512-264-1323
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Hi Friends & Neighbors,
I would like to call your attention to a proposal being kicked around by the Emergency Services District Commissioners responsible for your fire and EMS protection. A proposed agenda item on the next Commissioner meeting is to enter into talks to have Lake Travis Fire and Rescue (LTFR) manage the resources of Pedernales Fire Department. This would mean the end of a fire department that has faithfully and professionally served you its citizens for over 40 years. It would most likely cause the jobs of the current command staff who live in this community in favor of those currently working for Lake Travis Fire & Rescue. It would probably mean that officers from LTFR would most likely replace current officers who know our area, our needs, and our neighbors.
We would likely lose our volunteer resources including the Auxiliary that has raised thousands of dollars providing additional equipment that tax dollars could not have covered (like Thermal Imaging Cameras that allow the rescue of victims in smoke-filled rooms, longer lasting, lighter weight air packs that allow our firefighters the ability to work longer with greater safety, and many more). It would also mean the end of the Explorer program for teenagers that has had over 60 youth members over the past 5 years (some of whom are either in a fire academy or are now practicing fire/EMS professionals) teaching them valuable life skills in addition to fire & EMS skills. The volunteer members, some who have been with the department over 30 years would go as well meaning you’d lose that close to home quick resource for assistance or that friendly knowing face in your most desperate time of need.
This is a very real threat. Do you really think you will get the same level of service when your fire & EMS services are managed out of Lakeway? Do we even all these years and growth spurts later even have an elementary school out here or get coverage from the Lake Travis View on our news or events? Do you want your health and safety managed from a department that will be more focused on Lakeway and Bee Cave? Do you want your tax dollars leaving your area? Be aware that Steiner Ranch will likely be annexed by the City of Austin in the very near future. When that happens, LTFR will lose a significant source of revenue. Do you think that after their funds are cut they will be able to provide us the same level of service you get now?
Some have argued this is being done to provide this area with better protection, but the department recently secured an agreement with LTFR, Oak Hill FD, CeBAR FD, and Westlake FD for automatic mutual aid meaning that the closest unit regardless of the department will be dispatched to a call in the western half of the county. Additionally our department is one of the best trained in the county and often hosts schools and classes for other departments. Some have said this will prevent this area from being annexed by Lakeway. This has absolutely nothing to do with city limits as ESDs are beyond city limits. Some have said this will yield more power when negotiating for Federal, State, and County tax dollars against Austin FD. The County Fire Chiefs are already working on a plan that would consolidate or possibly move to a County-wide Department as a cohesive entity for better bargaining power in the future that would be equitable to all departments.
Most, if not all, of those involved with the department oppose this action. We need your help as citizens and members of the community that this affects to also voice your opinions. Please spend an hour to protect your loved ones and your property by attending the next Board of Commissioners meeting, details are below.
The comments made are my opinion and do not necessarily reflect those of Pedernales Fire Department, the union, nor the command staff. You are very much encouraged to come to the next meeting and learn for yourself.
The next meeting is currently scheduled for:
Travis County Commissioners Emergency Services District 8
December 13, 2010
7:30 PM
Pedernales Fire Department Station 1
The public is welcome and encouraged to attend
512-264-1476
Thank you,
Steve Rudkin
BEE CREEK CURRENT
Spicewood, TX 78669
ph: 512-264-1323
fax: 512-264-1323
editor
