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Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department reports 584 incidents through July; juniors and training highlighted
Summary
Chief Douglas reported 584 incidents from January to July 31, with 63% EMS calls, growth in volunteer recruitment including four junior members and training collaborations with Port Houston and neighboring departments.
Chief Douglas, Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department, presented the department’s quarterly report on Aug. 19 and highlighted volunteer recruitment, mutual-aid training and operational statistics.
Douglas said the department ran 584 incidents from Jan. 1 through July 31. He said 63 percent of those incidents were emergency medical service calls and noted the department documented seven incidents where firefighters rode in the back of an ambulance to support patient care and three instances where the department drove the ambulance — actions the chief said made a meaningful difference for patients and families.
The chief reported an influx of volunteers this summer, including a junior program that brought in four junior members. Douglas said juniors (some joining at ages 16–17) participate in exterior firefighting tasks and training but are not permitted for interior firefighting; they may attend fire schools and complete certifications once age requirements are met.
Douglas described ongoing mutual-aid and training relationships with nearby agencies including La Porte, Baytown and Port Houston Bayport. He showed photographs of shipboard fire response training and mutual aid incidents and said the department supports community events such as parades, HOA events and school programs.
Chief Douglas also thanked city staff for support on items on the agenda, including a pending budget amendment for repairs to the bunk room and air-conditioning system at the fire station to address insulation and mold issues. He brought his boat captain to the meeting in case council had follow-up questions about a planned boat purchase discussed in a previous workshop; the department’s boat is at end of service after 25 years, he said.
Douglas closed by saying he appreciated collaboration with City Manager Gil and other emergency operations staff and invited council questions on recruitment and training.
