Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Fire Ems topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Gunter volunteer fire department reports heavy storm response, training and near‑record volunteer hours
Summary
Gunter volunteer fire department and allied EMS staff briefed the council on snowstorm response, call volume, certifications in training and nearly 19,000 volunteer hours contributed between Oct. 2020 and Sept. 2024. Council praised the department and announced a Feb. 3 swearing‑in for a new officer.
The Gunter Volunteer Fire Department updated the city council on emergency response during a recent snowstorm, training progress, certifications and the department’s contribution of nearly 18,916 volunteer hours from Oct. 1, 2020, through Sept. 30, 2024.
Captain Cameron Kramer and Fire Department speakers described how the department staffed shifts continuously from Thursday at 7 p.m. through Sunday at 7 p.m. during the storm and responded to multiple incidents including a brush fire, a water‑heater fire that resulted in a homeowner transported by Allegiance EMS, a mutual‑aid call that was cancelled en route, smoke and alarm investigations and two medical calls. Kramer said the department coordinated with the city and police on sand and ice‑melt distribution and that volunteers provided roughly 401 man‑hours assisting the community during the storm.
The department reported active staffing and progress on certifications: several members are Texas Commission on Fire Protection certified, some are EMTs and paramedics, two members are certified TCIF instructors, and personnel are enrolled in structural‑fire training and state fire‑marshal classes. The department also has three personnel at a Crowley boot camp and others working toward inspector and plan‑review credentials.
Chief Danny Jones (identified in the meeting) and council members praised the department’s teamwork and announced plans for a team‑building day as the department expands. Council also noted awards given at the year‑end banquet: "Officer of the Year" to Sergeant Aaron Wilbanks; and awards to Officer Barnes (traffic) and Officer Kyle Martin (arrest). Council said they will recognize and swear in a seventh officer on Feb. 3; the new hire is joining from the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office.
The fire department also reported updates to reporting software to improve incident documentation and noted an LED sign acquired through a state firefighter and fire marshals association grant that will be used for public messages.
Ending: Council thanked the volunteers for storm response and ongoing training; a swearing‑in for a new officer is scheduled for Feb. 3 with the department continuing to pursue certification and reporting improvements.
