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 2008 Hondo Fire and Rescue responded to 540 calls. While some days were clearly busier that others, this averages out to one to two calls every day. Some might be surprised to hear about the diversity of calls we responded to. We were sent to 209 situations in 2008 that required strictly emergency medical services. We were also sent to 112 motor vehicle accidents. We provided mutual aide to other departments on 45 different occasions, and went to 20 fires.

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 training's, and order tools. These types of purchases are essential in order for us to be able to do our jobs.

Later this month firefighters will be canvassing the district asking for your support. 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 your credit card, you can now make secure donations to Hondo VFD on our website at hondovfd.org and click on the donate button.