Texas Township Fire Department

The Texas Township Fire Department remained equipped for mainly a rural, sparsely populated area until the early 1980's. At that time it was realized that the growth in the Township was out-pacing the ability to provide adequate protection with the existing equipment. The Insurance Service Office evaluated the Texas Township Fire Department in 1980, and evaluated fire equipment, telephone and dispatching, and water supply for fighting fires. On a scale of 1 (best) to 10 (no fire department) the Township rated an 8 in the 1980 evaluation. This low rating was awarded largely due to the lack of adequate water supplies and equipment for fire fighting.

Gradually through the 1990's the Department realized the need to upgrade fire-fighting equipment to meet the needs of the developing Township. Without benefit of any dedicated taxpayer funding, this was a struggle. In 1992, a 3-year 1/2-mill levy on property taxes was approved by voters for the purchase of a new combination pumper-tanker truck. This truck was delivered in 1995, and the special levy expired.

The Fire Department was again evaluated by the Insurance Services Office in 1997. With the addition of this newer pumper-tanker unit and expansion of public water services (fire hydrants), the rating improved to a 6 in those areas that are near fire hydrants, but remained at a 9 in those areas without fire hydrants.

In 1999, the Township realized a very good return on its savings investments. With these returns, the Fire Department was able to modernize its vehicle fleet with 2 state-of-the-art vehicles. First, a new tanker truck was purchased in 2000 to replace a 1975 unit. Then in 2001, a new pumper truck was purchased to replace the 1981 pumper truck as the primary fire-fighting vehicle. The 1981 pumper is still retained as a reserve back-up unit.

In 2004, the Township updated it's rescue response capabilities by purchasing an new rescue vehicle, replacing a 1989 unit.

Engine 1111 and Engine 1121 working a residential structure fire.

Sunset after an evening thunderstorm.