New Fire Chief Creating Collaboration Between VFDs in County & Neighboring Counties; ESD1 Enhances Training and Partnerships in Recent Programs

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New Fire Chief Creating Collaboration Between VFDs in County & Neighboring Counties; ESD1 Enhances Training and Partnerships in Recent Programs

December 15

10:43 2024

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***Volunteer Fire Departments across the County are collaborating like never before /*** Photo By Amy Meyer

Danny Watkins is the new Fire Chief for Palo Pinto County Emergency Service District #1 and has been working diligently to improve the collaborative training and communication for the 10 different volunteer fire departments across the county. He’s implementing new reporting systems and integrating software that will create more synchronicity across the county and allow for data collection of all calls for service across the district. This report is a collaboration between Mineral Wells Area News and ESD#1 to educate the public on the work these volunteer firefighters put into our communities to keep us safe. This series of monthly reports will introduce the faces of the men and women on the other end of 911, the training they endure, the experiences they encounter around the county, and the challenges they face.

ESD #1 Public Awareness Report Vol. 1

Collaborative Training

During November, firefighters from Palo Pinto County ESD1 participated in a countywide training program designed to sharpen their fire suppression and communication skills.

Held each Saturday at Possum Kingdoms East training grounds, the program featured rotating skill stations aimed at enhancing firefighters operational capabilities.

The training culminated in live-fire exercises at Station 17’s fire training facility, where crews practiced extinguishing a simulated structure fire. These exercises allowed firefighters to apply the skills they had honed throughout the day.

Firefighters from Brazos, Santo, Lake Palo Pinto, Palo Pinto, Gordon, Strawn, Graford, PK East, and PK West were all in attendance. Bordering mutual aid stations from Mineral Wells and Parker County also attended, highlighting regional collaboration.

Crossing County Lines

In early December, Parker County hosted an advanced forcible entry training class and extended an invitation to Palo Pinto County ESD1. This partnership underscores the strong cooperation between the two counties and reflects their shared commitment to prioritizing training initiatives.

These programs exemplify ESD1’s dedication to protecting the citizens of Palo Pinto County through exceptional service, continuous improvement, and preparedness.