A Christmas Tale, Part I

I have the pleasure (and luxury) of getting to meet and interact with many members of the community and when I tell them what I do for ESD 47 and the Westlake fire department, they, without fail, tell me how thankful they are to have such a professional organization in place for whenever an emergency arises. Be it a fire, medical emergency, traffic accident, whatever, Westlake stands ready to answer the call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

It's not just having people at the station, although that is a huge part of the process, it is also having apparatus and equipment in good repair ready to roll. ESD 47, of which I am currently the president, has through the years worked diligently to insure that both are always present to assist the public. After all, your tax money goes to cover the costs of these. The intent is not to have the shiniest or fanciest, but to have whatever is expected to be needed for the types of responses that are generally required for this area. It also requires decisions to be made about buying new when maintenance costs of existing items start to increase. I know this sounds like advanced calculus, but we think we have a great system in place.

I must confess that ESD 47 isn't the only one in this area who can say that. I know of no fire suppresson or emergency medical agency in unincorporated Harris County that is not well equiped to take care of its constituents. It's all part of that knowing what will be asked of the department in terms of emergency service and therefore budgeting and purchasing accordingly. While it's true that a larger number of people are contributing to the coffers, it is also true that more people mean more emergency responses.

So as you and your family and friends give thanks this holiday season, keep in mind those, whether it's Westlake or another agency, that are there to assist with your emergency needs, not just today or this week, but all throughout the year. While we are having our festive gatherings, there are first responders at the ready at fire stations all around. Like as you give to others, they are giving their time to you. In part two of this post, I will talk about the trials and tribulations that some emergency agencies are facing in today's times and how Westlake has helped one area in a small, but worthwhile, way.

Until then, stay safe

Brian Havran