White Rock Fire Department Has Banner Year

Volunteers with the White Rock Fire Department responded to six calls on a recent Sunday, working two calls at the same time.

Firefighters were stretched across the territory they cover. That's why it's important to find more volunteers, said White Rock Fire Chief Joe Lahr.

The all-volunteer department covers an area of 90 square miles. With two stations -- one in Jane and the other off of Highway 90 -- firefighters can respond to a number of incidents.

"We're always needing new faces," Lahr said. "We're hoping to get some new volunteers. We have good people to work with."

The small, volunteer department positioned itself for future growth this year. To address the growing needs of the community, officials asked voters to approve a fire protection district.

In April, voters approved the district, which establishes a base for tax revenue. The approval enables officials to levy a tax mil increase of 30 cents per $100 assessed property value, White Rock Fire Department board chairman Dan Moore said earlier this year.

Donations, fundraisers and dinners used to drive the budget's base. The department distributes 1,211 letters to those in the area each year, Moore said. From that, approximately $20,000 to $22,000 is raised from the dues. The letters are sent to property owners, and officials collect the money but cannot ultimately rely on the voluntary income as solid funds because it fluctuates.

Now, additional funds will enable the department to purchase new equipment, provide additional training and retain more volunteer firefighters, Lahr said.

With growth projections for the area, the department felt a new strategy was needed to better secure future funding, he said.

The community first formed an effort in 1962, when a local fire prompted a group of people to action. From there, volunteers have helped build an operation to serve their neighbors.

Lahr and other volunteers work hard to stay abreast of new training procedures. They cover rescues during floods, wrecks, fires, medical emergencies and being the first on the scene for their neighbors.

On this particular evening, Lahr has gathered firefighters to check over a 2002 Freightliner diesel-powered fire truck, which will help the department provide better coverage.

The newly acquired engine -- along with two existing fire trucks -- can carry several thousand gallons to a fire.

The 2002 fire truck's cab is big enough for three firefighters, which means an additional firefighter can travel to a fire, officials said.

The new fire truck is located at Fire Station No. 1 in Jane. The other two are located at Station No. 2.

Volunteers also can utilize a helipad, located near the fire station off Highway 90, to reach folks in remote areas. Volunteers recently celebrated the second anniversary of its opening.

The helipad was not employed this year, but Lahr said he is thankful to have such an asset for crisis situations.

Volunteers undergo a great deal of training to efficiently serve the community, Lahr said. Crew members also involve themselves in various community efforts, such as Jane Days and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Firefighters, along with the Women's Auxiliary, host chili suppers and spaghetti dinners to raise additional funds for the department.