GENERAL

The Tierra Linda Fire Department’s fire district is located in southwest Gillespie County and is confined to Gillespie County.  We are called the Tierra Linda Fire Department and our station is physically located on the Tierra Linda Ranch, (actually rented from the ranch ) we are independent and not part of the ranch organization. The fire district extends considerably beyond the ranch boundaries and is over 2 times the land area that makes up the ranch.

Our mission is as the name implies, a fire control organization. However, as is the nature of all emergency service organizations, we participate in a variety of public service activities. We are frequently called on to assist DPS, EMS and County Sheriff’s (both Kerr & Gillespie Counties) with motor vehicle accidents. Our usual role at accidents is traffic control but can be called on for victim assistance and sometimes with site clean-up. 

In addition, we often respond to assist EMS with non-vehicular accidents and other medical emergency responses.  This usually involves the hand transportation of victims over relatively long distances and / or guiding EMS crews into and out of areas they are not familiar with. We sometimes locate helicopter landing zones for evacuation of victims while EMS is attending and transporting a victim to the landing site. The Tierra Linda airport is the preferred landing zone in most cases, but we are prepared to make arrangements at more remote sites.

Department personnel sometimes arrive at EMS scenes before the ambulance arrives.  We are not EMS qualified, so our role in these cases is to practice basic first aid, make the victim as comfortable as possible, and assist EMS to locate the site.

We participate fully in the mutual aid concept. Although our protection boundaries are well defined, they mean little or nothing when other emergency service organizations call for assistance.  We’ve responded to calls to nearly all adjacent units and have been dispatched to Harper and nearly to Medina. We need to respond to all dispatches, regardless of the type or location of the incident. We can also expect assistance from surrounding departments whenever we so request.

We also participate with Gillespie county in an “Automatic Aid Concept”. This concept results in our being automatically dispatched to portions of the Harper and Fredericksburg fire districts that are immediately adjacent to our district. This aid concept expands our immediate dispatch area to about twice that contained within our boundary.

MEETINGS

We meet monthly at 9:00 A.M. on the first Saturday of each month. The first hour is primarily a business & information meeting, but classroom type training may be provided as necessary. Following the business meeting, we have a hands on training exercise until about noon. The field training will involve truck & pump operation, hose lays, drop tank use, etc.

TRUCK OPERATOR REQUIREMENTS

All firefighters are encouraged to secure qualifications as a truck driver - pump operator. Non operators are a vital part of the department, but additional operators give us a great deal more flexibility during emergency situations.

The first step toward qualification is participation in the hands on training (usually the Saturday morning sessions) to become familiar with basic pump operation. 

The next step is to participate in more individualized training in smaller groups. These smaller group sessions are held periodically, usually at the request of those desiring to become qualified, so are usually available upon your individual request. These sessions require the presence of a qualified operator and trainees are not permitted to drive tankers, except as noted below.

Tanker driver trainers are designated by the Chief. Tanker trainees will drive under the supervision of one of the designated trainers.  This driving training will be individualized and will be available upon the request of the trainee or suggestion of the trainer.

The more individualized pump operation and driving training will be offered upon your request and will continue to meet your needs. The length of this training will vary with each firefighter based on their experience, background and ability to obtain the specific skills required.

At the conclusion of this training period, each trainee will individually demonstrate their proficiency at driving and pump operation to designated department personnel. This is not a test but rather a demonstration of proficiency to determine further training needs or to move on to the next step.

The final step to becoming an operator is to secure a Texas Class B drivers license. Both a written and driving test are required by the state for this license. The fire department will coach and assist trainees with this test. All expenses associated with securing the license will be paid by the department.

TRUCK MAINTENANCE INSPECTIONS

Each truck and its pump are inspected and tested every week. Inspections are conducted in accordance with each trucks check list located on clip boards hung on the station wall.

Inspections are conducted by a qualified Driver/Operator and at least one other firefighter. Dates and times of the inspections are determined by those conducting the inspection but must be conducted weekly.

All firefighters are requested to sign up for their rotation in the inspections at the beginning of each year. Not only is this a vital function, it offers valuable one on one training for non Driver/Operators, so everyone is encouraged to participate in this process.

KARFA

Tierra Linda is a member of the Kerr Area Rural Fire Association. This association was formed after the 2000 Shepard Rees fire in Kerrville. All fire departments in counties that border Kerr County may be a member of the association, but membership has remained relatively constant at 12 fire departments. Its purpose is to coordinate activities such as grant applications and mutual fire planning. The Chief and Deputy Chief attend KARFA meetings and provide feedback to our department.

PERSONNEL AND FUNDING

Any resident of Gillespie or Kerr County who resides within 6 miles of the fire station or within the fire district, and who are between the ages of 18 and 70 may apply and will be considered for membership in the department. The individual must be in good physical condition or fill a definite need in the department. After review of qualifications by the Executive Committee, the applicant may be accepted for membership in the department.

We are a 100% voluntary organization. With current circumstances, our ideal strength is 33 volunteers. This includes approximately 24 line personnel, 4 dispatchers, 5 call team members and an equipment specialist. We usually maintain the desired level of volunteers except line personnel. All members are encouraged to help with recruitment.

Gillespie County provides nearly $5,000.00 and Kerr County $1,000.00 via a contract that is renewed annually. All other funding is secured by a letter of solicitation that is mailed to district residents sometime between January and March each year.

In addition, we apply for grants from federal, state and private sources as equipment is needed and funds appear to be available.

INCIDENT REPORTING

We do participate in the National Fire Incident Reporting System and the Texas Forest Service Fire Reporting system.

FACTS AND FIGURES

The Department:

 -- Has an assigned boundary that includes approximately 29 square miles.

 -- Has an estimated population of 1,500 in our immediate protection boundary.

-- State of Texas Charter number is 01283231.

-- Federal Tax Identification Number of 74-2689293.

-- State Fire Marshall identification number of HC201