MYRIAM GONZALEZ
Parker County Emergency Services District No.1 held its first board meeting of the year, Wednesday, Jan. 21, when the board received updates on the department's standing and its readiness efforts as the first winter storm of the season made its way to North Texas.
The meeting opened with the swearing in of returning Commissioners Brandon Tatarevich and Saxon Bailey. Parker County Commissioner George Conley administered the oath of office before both took their seats.
In his report, Fire Chief Stephen Watson said for the first time ever, the agency ended the year with 7,200 calls for service. During that time, the department was transitioning to the Red Alert system — an incident report and record keeping system — to comply with federal mandates, and although it presented its challenges, most issues have been resolved.
GRANTS
PCESD1 received more than $200,000 in grants for rescue equipment and plans to request an additional $25,000 at the next meeting that will go toward “additional extrication tools, bigger rescue, rescue struts, high diffusions, grip hoists, et cetera to put on several of our engines, and the two heavy rescues,” Watson said.
MUTUAL AID
Watson said a meeting was held last week with Tarrant County ESD1 to discuss a formal agreement to involve them in the technical rescue initiative program with PCESD1 and Weatherford ESD1. The agreement means two staff companies will be trained and ready across the county lines, something that will benefit residents, businesses and property owners on both sides of the Tarrant County/Parker County line.
“That means they're willing to help us down on our far southwest, southeast, 1187 corridor, where they're closer to some of our stuff than we are now, with their temporary station location … so that’s going to be good,” Watson said, adding he hopes to have the agreement finalized by the February meeting.
GROWTH
Watson reported he continues to see substantial growth, especially near Bear Creek Road, and noted he recently received an initial inquiry about another 1,400 acres just south of the same area. He mentioned seeing vertical structures go up on Blue Jack Ranch and has learned of 4,000 new homes to be built near Brown Ranch. Rapid growth and development increases demands for fire and emergency services, in turn requiring appropriate coverage and resources, Watson told commissioners.
Watson ended his report by outlining plans for the “arctic weekend” circulating the news, noting the forecast was “looking pretty bleak.” He authorized the upstaffing of crews up to nine people, moving rescue tools to smaller 4-wheel drive vehicles and more availability of the prevention division in case of power outages or other emergencies. In addition, increased efforts have been made to streamline communication with county precincts to ensure roadway safety and resources.
