A lot has changed since Hondo Fire and Rescue was created back in 1974. During the first three years there was no fire house. The department had no emergency medical technicians, or a heavy rescue vehicle to use during motor vehicle accidents. Dispatchers called firefighter’s homes when there was a call. The phone would ring one continuous ring at every firefighters home at once. When everyone was on the line, the operator would give the details of the call.
Today there are fifteen paramedics and EMTs on our roster. There are two firehouses in the district, and firefighters carry mobile radios with them. We also now have an ambulance and a heavy rescue truck, which compliment our fire and brush trucks. Our firefighters have state of the art bunker gear to protect them from heat and flame. The department also has self contained breathing apparatus, which is a different version of SCUBA technology you might be more familiar with. Our breathing apparatus provides breathable air in hostile environments.
We’re very lucky to have our equipment. In 2018 Hondo Fire and Rescue responded to over 600 calls. While some days were clearly busier that others, this averages out to one to two calls every day.
Because the community depends on us, we are required to maintain a high level of training and ensure we have the right equipment. But the department also depends on the community. Money we receive as donations are the only funds we have complete control over. This is money we use to purchase bunker gear, pay for trainings, and order tools. These types of purchases are essential in order for us to be able to do our jobs.
We are so glad that we don’t have to stand out in the middle of the street holding out a boot for donations. Your generosity keeps us going. Please give what you’re comfortable donating. Not only will you be investing in the fire department, you’ll be investing in your community. If you would prefer to donate using PayPal, you can now make secure donations to Hondo VFD on our website at hondovfd.org and click on the donate button.
