HONDO, Texas — Come midnight on Friday the city of Hondo will no longer have the volunteer fire department that has been in operation since 1909.
The department decided to terminate their contract with the Medina County Emergency Services District 6 back in October for several reasons including a lack of funding.
According to the department President Philip Batteau, transparency from the ESD is what’s kept the fire station from re-signing their contract. That, coupled with a lack of funding and communication of leadership.
Snapshots of a 115 year legacy still line the department walls. Memories made up of volunteers who will hang up their jackets for the very last time.
Serving his community since 1996, Batteau said this decision didn’t come easy.
“It just seems that everything we ask for, we just don’t get," Batteau said.
Batteau added that he has a lot of taxpayers ask about why they put thousands of dollars towards funds but the department is still driving 20-year-old trucks.
He said all they have been given from the ESD, who funds their facility, is around $60,000 when they had calculated a need for over $400,000 for 2025.
Then, a surprise announcement from ESD 6 of a new chief.
“In order for him to take over or run us he would have to be voted into our department…elected into that position and then he could assume command.”
Batteau said that didn't happen.
So the department did not resign their contract with the ESD on October 22 of this year. For now, they will not be in operation but the department does still exist.
The City of Hondo which remains neutral in this matter said ESD 1 will cover the calls in Hondo.
"It’s a slap in the face to hear they’re bringing three guys over here to man our station 24/7 at the sum of $100,000 a month for six months and they’re getting more for three guys wages than we’re getting for our annual budget," Batteau said.
He said the department will try to fulfill any calls for their community until the clock strikes twelve Friday and a legacy ends.
"It takes a lot to run into a burning building it does and it’s something we love and we cherish.”
KENS 5 reached out to the Medina County ESD 6 multiple times but they have not responded to our request for comment.
The city of Hondo provided this statement on Facebook Thursday:
The City of Hondo values transparency and keeping our citizens informed about matters that affect our community. As many of you may be aware, recent developments have unfolded regarding fire protection services in our area. While the City of Hondo does not oversee the operations of Medina County Emergency Services District (ESD) 6 or the Hondo Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD), we have been in communication with both parties to express our concern for the safety and well-being of our citizens.
On November 21, 2024 effective 11:59 p.m., ESD 6 and the Hondo Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) have terminated their contract. To ensure continuous fire protection for the community, ESD 6 has contracted ESD 1 to provide 24/7 professional fire services. ESD 1 will be operating out of the fire station in Hondo and has assured us of their readiness to serve our community, taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.
It is important to note that if someone calls 911 for a fire department response, the process will remain unchanged. The only difference is paid firefighters from ESD 1 will be responding in place of volunteers. This ensures that the community will continue to receive reliable and timely fire protection services.
Throughout this process, the City of Hondo has maintained a neutral stance regarding the disputes between HVFD and ESD 6. Our focus remains steadfast on the safety of our residents and ensuring uninterrupted fire protection services. We will continue to prioritize the well-being of the community as these changes take effect.
We understand the concern and uncertainty this situation may cause and want to assure you that our priority is the well-being of our residents. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and communicate with all parties involved to support a resolution that prioritizes public safety.
If you have questions or need further information, please feel free to contact ESD 6 directly. Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.
The original release from Hondo Volunteer Fire Department on Nov. 17:
The Hondo Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., “HVFC” has been serving the residents of Medina County since 1909. Comprised of brave individuals from the region, the HVFC has always been available to serve and protect the citizens of Hondo and surrounding communities by offering fire protection and suppression services, rescue, and other services.
The Medina County Emergency Services District No. 6 “MCESD6” is a political subdivision of the State of Texas which was created and operates pursuant to the Health and Safety Code of the State of Texas. ESD’s were established to support or provide local emergency services, including emergency medical services, emergency ambulance services, rural fire prevention and control services, and other emergency services authorized by the Texas Legislature.
ESD’s use the property taxes of their district to support or provide these services. The above referenced entities have been operating pursuant to an agreement that was entered into by MCESD6 and the HVFC and was executed and signed on March 13, 2015. The Agreement was not renewed at the end of its term and therefore had remained in effect on a month-to-month basis since the date of expiration until HVFC recently decided to terminate the agreement.
The Agreement dictated the terms by which HVFC would offer the services referenced above to the Hondo community as a contracted entity of MCESD6. The outdated Agreement as well as secretive decisions and reckless actions of the MCESD6 left the HVFC no alternative but to terminate the Agreement, as it severely compromised the HVFC’s ability to safely and adequately provide the necessary services to the citizens of Hondo.
While the MCESD6 receives significant funds from the taxes of its residents, only a minimal amount of those funds are expended for the betterment and safety of their constituents. This has resulted in the HVFC’s inability to purchase the necessary vehicles and equipment to properly perform their duties as well as the inability to maintain those items.
Further, some decisions of the Board of MCESD6 have or will limit the capability of the members of the HVFC to perform their duties.
The results of these actions have been a stark decrease in the fire protection services available to the Hondo area, as well as an increased risk of damage and harm for the properties of residents and businesses of the region.
Page 2 of 2 The Hondo Volunteer Fire Company has a history and reputation of providing exceptional fire protection services to the Hondo area for decades. Based on this experience, the HVFC acknowledges that until a proper and drastically revised agreement that’s primary focus is the safety, health and well-being of the citizens of MCESD6’s District, rather than for the benefit of MCESD6, the welfare of their residents will continue to suffer.
An ESD, through their powers and stable funding, should strive to achieve reduced fire and medical response times, stable and adequate funding for volunteer and other fire and EMS departments, and to assist local entities in providing enhanced services – thus saving lives, property, and funds for local citizens. Medina County Emergency Services District #6, has failed to accomplish any of these objectives.
The Hondo Volunteer Fire Company's contract with MCESD6 ends at 11:59 p.m. on November 21, 2024, and HVFC will no longer respond to calls as of 12:00 a.m. on November 22, 2024, until a new agreement is reached. Kind regards, Gaylon Schueling Fire Chief, HVFD