Fulshear Simonton Fire - ESD 4 Enhances Rescue Skills with Ropes Rescue Operations Certification
The Fulshear Simonton Fire Department, you local fire department and part of Fort Bend County ESD No. 4, has recently completed an essential training milestone aimed at bolstering their ability to serve the community effectively. On August 26, under the expert guidance of instructors Michael O’Hare and Wayland Kelley, the ESD 4 team achieved their Ropes Rescue Operations certification.
This rigorous training saw Captains Hood, Keyes, and Shifflett, along with Firefighters Valderrama, Gillespie, Lamb, McCoy, Chaves, Blue, Giles, and Polasek, engage in intense window and roof evacuation drills. The exercises were conducted in full gear amidst the sweltering Texas heat, with temperatures soaring to a "feels like" 108°F. The firefighters navigated complex scenarios and refined their skills in vehicle extrications and advanced fire suppression techniques.
This certification is the first step in mastering critical rescue techniques, with ongoing education ensuring that the team remains at the forefront of emergency response. The Fulshear Simonton Fire Department's commitment to excellence is evident in every drill and training exercise, reflecting their unwavering dedication to protecting the community, no matter the conditions.
Since its humble beginnings in 1963—when firefighting efforts were limited to a cattle sprayer owned by a local rancher—the Fulshear Simonton Fire Department has grown significantly. Today, it operates from three stations equipped with modern technology and is supported by a team of 40 full and part-time firefighters along with five life member volunteers. Under the leadership of Chief Gilbert "Herc" Meier Jr., who has guided the department since 1975, the department has expanded its scope and capabilities to cover over 106 square miles.
For more information about the Fulshear Simonton Fire Department, visit their website at fsfd.org and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/FulshearSimontonFire. For questions or assistance, email info@fsfd.org, or contact Fort Bend County ESD No. 4 at 281-533-0095 or the Fulshear Simonton Fire Department at 281-346-2800.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
