Largest Volunteer Fire Department

Introduction

The Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department (CFVFD) has a lengthy and successful record for supplying fire and crisis health services towards citizens of northwest Harris County. From its beginnings in the late 1950's, the Cy-Fair VFD is among the largest, busiest volunteer Fire divisions in the usa, with over 15, 000 emergency answers each year. CFVFD covers the 155-square mile section of Emergency providers District (ESD) no. 9 in northwest Harris County. Responding from 12 stations situated near commercial establishments through the area; the 300+ both women and men associated with the Department are among the list of best-trained and equipped firefighters and EMT's in the country.

The Beginning, 1955-1962

In the late 1950’s, the Cypress area ended up being offered because of the Jersey Village, Houston, and Fairbanks Fire Departments. After property was damaged by fire considering a 20-minute reaction time because of the first unit, the necessity for a closely located fire division became evident. Recognizing the necessity, the Cypress Civic Club presented a gathering to test to the Fairbanks Fire division. In 1961, the Fairbanks Fire division charter ended up being altered to become the Cypress-Fairbanks Volunteer Fire Department. As fire coverage needs grew in the Cypress area, the division charter had been once more altered in 1962 in order to become the Cy-Fair Volunteer Fire Department. The division went through another change in 1980 when an 80 sq mile area of Cy-Fair had been charted since the Cypress-Creek Fire division. This area had 18, 000 residents and 5000 domiciles. Sixteen men that have been section of Cy-Fair became the Cypress Creek Fire division.

Equipment

Boosters - In 1972, lawn fires had been most likely the busiest area the Department and there was a fantastic dependence on Booster trucks. The division bought 4 Chevrolet chassis from Kitzman Chevrolet. Stations 1, 2, 3, and 5 received the chassis and bought products to style and develop the lawn vehicles, with most or most of the work being carried out by the people on their own. The initial grass vehicles have been replaced throughout the years. Boosters are currently housed at Stations 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 11.

Pumpers - Most pumpers until 1972 had been built because of the users or in your area. During those times, the division bought a 1972 and a 1973 Ward LaFrance Class The engines. The 1972 engine had been housed at Station 2. The 1973 motor had been housed at facility 3. Up until that time, all units in the Department had been Class B pumpers, with reviews significantly less than 500 gpm. These two new devices were modern, state-of-the -art Class A pumpers.

In 1976, the division bought an US LaFrance and placed it at Station 5. Another United states LaFrance was purchased in 1979, which became Engine 1. A mini assault product was also purchased concerning this some time was used for several years, by different channels, before being sold.

In 1981, Cy-Fair VFD purchased an innovative new Peter-Pirsch ladder truck. This 75’ stick was first housed at Station 3. Along with the quick growth with brand-new stations becoming built, 2 brand-new Ford LaFrance jump-seat type pumpers were bought in 1982. After receiving these pumpers, another product of the identical kind ended up being bought in 1984. An ‘83 Spartan save Truck was also acquired during this time.

In 1986, 5 brand-new 1500-gpm General Class the pumpers and a brand new 3000-gallon International tanker were put into the Department. In 1991, 4 Pierce Class pumpers, a global rescue truck, and a Spartan LTI ladder vehicle were bought.

Present

Brand new firefighting equipment had not been truly the only gear put into the division. Originally, 5 Ford Crown Victoria were purchased to become cars for the Chiefs, along with a 1985 Suburban. These day there are 14 Expeditions and 8 trucks in use for Chief Officer reaction. “Re-Hab 1” ended up being a 1986 van contributed by Don Grogg, to the Ladies Auxiliary, to be used in 10-17 phone calls, now they respond in a 2002 F550 made specifically for the Auxiliary. Dozer 3 had been added and contributed into the department from Texas Forestry Service. It's because already been replaced with a purchased Komatsu dozer which bigger and more versatile. Its transported to scenes with a 2001 FL80 roll-off transporter. The division features a particular Operations truck for restricted room rescues and collapse functions. In addition we have a “smoke home” for academic functions and education.

The division presently has actually aproximately 350 users in twelve programs addressing about 155 square kilometers. This is one of many biggest volunteer-combination fire divisions in america.

During the early many years, firefighters purchased all of their own equipment. Today, a firefighter is granted complete bunker gear, boots, pager, badge, uniform t-shirts, and task t-shirts. Cost to outfit a firefighter with bunker gear, shoes and pager is roughly $3, 000.

Ambulance

In 1971, the necessity was justified for many particular extra first aid the location. Graham Ambulance provider, situated in Spring department, and the City of Houston were offering town currently.