The Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department held a Community Event and Open House last Saturday, October 19th , from 11am - 1pm. There were demonstrations and a meet and greet with new ESD #5 Fire Chief Patrick Cates and ESD Commissioners, who discussed highlights from 2024 and plans for an addition to the fire station.
From Cindy Daly, Public Information Officer for the Sunrise Beach Volunteer Police Department: Ever since citizens voted in Llano County Emergency Services District (ESD) #5 in 2023, many great things have been happening for the District. ESD #5 encompasses the subdivisions of Bridgepoint, Comanche Rancherias, and the City of Sunrise Beach, as well as many acres of ranch land. Recently at the open house in Sunrise Beach, citizens had an opportunity to see some of these good things.
• The ESD Commissioners hired Patrick Cates as the Fire Chief for the ESD area. Chief Cates came with 31 years of firefighting experience. His background of knowledge enabled us to achieve a rating of “fully compliant” during our first inspection by the Texas Commission of Fire Protection.
• We have become a “hybrid” department with newly hired professional firefighters working part-time in conjunction with our volunteer firefighters.
• On display at the Open House was an architect’s rendition of the proposed renovation of Station 1, the goal being to eventually bring on full-time professional firefighters. Moving forward, these improvements will provide the best protection of life and property to the citizens of ESD # 5.
• During the open house there were many demonstrations. CPR and AED usage were demonstrated by members of our State Licensed First Responder Organization. Fire Extinguisher use was demonstrated and a few of our kids in attendance got to put out actual fire using a fire extinguisher training device. Our on-duty professional firefighters demonstrated an array of vehicle extrication tools (Jaws of Life).
• Our EMS partners, Hamilton EMS and AirCareMed Network (AE49) were also in attendance with information, their ambulance, and command vehicle.
Lt. Frank Serpas assists a young firefighter in handling a stream of water from a fire hose.
Deputy Fire Chief Dan Gower, President of the ESD Board of Commissioners Karle Wolfe, and District Fire Chief Patrick Cates.
