I Gotta Wear Shades
In 1986, a group named Timbuk 3 released a song titled, "The Future Looks So Bright, I've Gotta Wear Shades" As I was looking for an intro into this month's blog, I remembered this tune from the past as it is so apropos to describe the state of affairs at ESD 47/ Westlake VFD. The numbers are in for year 2021 and they show that Westlake responded to 4688 calls which is a record number of requests for help from Westlake in its 47 year history. Of those 4688 responses, 3216 were emergency medical type responses. Again, a historical high for that category. As I look over the 2021 report, I see that the residents of Harris County Emergency Service District 47 are calling 9-1-1 for Westlake's help because they believe that Westlake will be there in a flash (district response time around four minutes) and have the skill and equipment to, if not remedy the issue, at least mitigate it to a point where an emergency room staff can take over and get the patient back on the mend. It is so gratifying to have earned the community's trust in such a resounding way.
A good case in point, remember those battery powered extrication tools that ESD 47 purchased for Westlake a while back? Well, they came in handy two times since my last writing. One was an motor vehicle accident on Barker-Cypress Road and the other was an MVA on the I-10 feeder road at Mason Rd. Both happening in the wee hours of the morning. In both cases, vehicle occupants needed to be cut out of a mangled vehicle and these battery powered tools were quick to do the job and, I must say, quicker than that the ordinary pneumatic tools that other agencies use. These tools allowed for a shorter ambulance load and transport time.
At every ESD 47 meeting, we are discussing the needs of the residents of, the visitors to, and the property in ESD 47 and does Westlake VFD have that covered. I can tell you all without any reservation, yes Westlake does! No matter the challenge, Westlake has the apparatus, tools, gadgets, and know how to solve the problem. The residents of ESD 47 are truly blessed and in good hands with the ESD 47/Westlake team looking out for them. The only thing that Westlake needs is more people to take care of this increase in call volume. If you are interested in becoming a Westlake volunteer or you know someone who is, please have them contact the Westlake VFD at 281-492-0560. So many times I hear from the Westlake members how great it is to be a part of the team. It's like a family atmosphere here.
Newly appointed Westlake Fire Chief Shannon Draper has many well designed plans to take the department from great to even better. We and the residents of District are heavenly blessed to have found someone so worldly wise. He has strategies and initiatives to take Westlake from merely great to the top of all fire/ems agencies in the land. Accordingly, ESD 47 is solidly in support of him. While other ESD's or either raising taxes or cutting services, we here at ESD 47/Westlake are cutting taxes and raising services and our residents love it. Wow, what a concept!! Personally, I can't wait for the future -- it's going to be awesome!
Or as Timbuk 3 sang:
"Things are going great, and they're only getting better
(We're) doing alright, getting good grades
The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades
The futures's so bright,
... I gotta wear shades
Until next time, Stay Safe
Brian Havran