For residents of Brookshire, Hockley and surrounding communities, two upcoming fire station grand openings offer more than an opportunity to see fire trucks up close. They mark an important investment in the firefighters, emergency medical personnel and facilities that help keep local families and businesses safe.

Waller-Harris Emergency Services District No. 200 (ESD 200) will celebrate the grand openings of Station 72 in Brookshire on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and Station 43 in Hockley on Thursday, October 29, 2026. Both celebrations are open to the community and will feature traditional fire station push-in ceremonies, station tours, emergency apparatus displays and opportunities to meet local firefighters.

Behind the celebrations are two substantial projects designed to support the district's emergency response operations. Station 72 brings together fire, EMS and vehicle maintenance resources in a renovated Brookshire facility, while Station 43 introduces a newly constructed fire and EMS station near the Grand Prairie subdivision in Hockley.

Station 72 in Brookshire Will House Firefighters, EMS Personnel and Vehicle Maintenance Operations

The first celebration takes place Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Station 72, located at 5411 FM 2855 in Brookshire, TX 77423.

Unlike a newly constructed station, Station 72 was developed through renovations to an existing facility. According to Waller-Harris ESD 200's official history, the project was completed in June 2026 and is intended to accommodate several important components of the district's emergency services operations.

The district identifies Station 72 as the future home of a four-person fire crew, an EMS supervisor, an EMS crew and Waller-Harris ESD 200 mechanics and their maintenance shop.

Bringing these resources together provides space not only for personnel responding to emergencies, but also for those responsible for maintaining the vehicles and equipment they rely on.

The project also represents a significant financial investment. Records from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation identify the renovation as a project involving approximately 32,668 square feet, with an estimated construction cost of $800,000. The state's records show that the project's accessibility inspection has been completed.

For Brookshire residents, the grand opening offers an opportunity to see how an existing property has been adapted to support fire protection, emergency medical services and the behind-the-scenes work involved in keeping emergency vehicles ready for service.

Station 43 Brings a Newly Constructed Fire and EMS Facility to Hockley

The following evening, Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Waller-Harris ESD 200 will celebrate Station 43 at 27227 Baethe Road in Hockley, TX 77447.

Located just outside the Grand Prairie subdivision, Station 43 represents a new addition to the district's emergency services infrastructure in the Hockley area.

According to the district, the station was designed with four pull-through apparatus bays equipped with bifold doors. Pull-through bays allow emergency vehicles to enter from one side and exit from the other, reducing the need to back large apparatus into position during routine station operations.

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation records identify the project as a newly constructed 15,006-square-foot fire and EMS station with an estimated construction cost of $7.3 million. The project was designed by Martinez Architects.

The district reported in June 2026 that construction was on schedule for completion in the fall, setting the stage for the October grand opening.

For residents living near Baethe Road and in surrounding Hockley neighborhoods, the new station represents an additional local facility dedicated to supporting fire and emergency medical response as development continues across the area.

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Part of a Longer History of Expanding Emergency Services in Waller and Harris Counties

The two grand openings are the latest milestones in Waller-Harris ESD 200's ongoing efforts to develop fire and EMS resources across its service territory.

The district provides and manages emergency services funding for communities in unincorporated portions of Waller and Harris counties. Its operations have evolved considerably over the years, moving from a system that relied on contracts with volunteer fire departments toward one that also includes full-time staffing.

According to the district's official history, Waller-Harris ESD 200 hired its first full-time fire crews in 2017. Station 81 was completed in 2022, allowing for a second full-time staffed station and space for district administration.

In 2024, Stations 42 and 71 transitioned to full-time staffing, another step in the district's development of its emergency response capabilities.

The Station 72 renovation and Station 43 construction projects continue that progression, providing facilities to accommodate emergency personnel, apparatus and support operations.

As new homes and businesses are developed throughout the Brookshire and Hockley areas, the location and capacity of emergency services facilities remain important considerations for community safety. Although the district has not announced specific response-time improvements associated with these grand openings, the projects expand its physical infrastructure and resources.

What Is a Fire Station Push-In Ceremony?

Both grand opening celebrations will feature a traditional fire station push-in ceremony, a custom rooted in the earliest days of organized firefighting.

The tradition dates back to the era of horse-drawn fire equipment, when firefighters often had to manually push their apparatus back into the firehouse after returning from calls because horses could not easily back the equipment into place.

Today, firefighters continue the custom by ceremonially pushing a fire truck into its station, recognizing the facility and the generations of firefighters who came before them.

For Station 72 and Station 43, the ceremonies will provide a fitting way to celebrate the facilities while welcoming neighbors into the stations.

Visitors will also have opportunities to meet firefighters, tour the buildings and see emergency vehicles and equipment firsthand.

For families with children, the events offer a chance to learn more about the work firefighters do, ask questions and become familiar with the first responders who serve their communities.

Brookshire, Hockley and Surrounding Residents Invited to Celebrate

Both grand opening events are open to residents throughout the surrounding communities, not just those living immediately near the stations.

The Station 72 celebration will take place Wednesday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 5411 FM 2855 in Brookshire. Station 43 will welcome visitors Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 27227 Baethe Road in Hockley.

Residents can visit the Waller-Harris ESD 200 official website or follow the district's Facebook page for additional announcements and event information.

For the firefighters and EMS personnel who serve these communities, the celebrations are an opportunity to welcome the public into the places where much of their work begins. For residents, they offer a closer look at the people, equipment and facilities that stand ready when help is needed.

Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more updates on public safety, fire departments, emergency services and community developments throughout Brookshire, Hockley and the greater Houston area.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

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.

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