Two residents representing a community effort in Ezell told the Lavaca County Commissioners on Dec. 23 that they are organizing a new volunteer fire department to serve Ezell and surrounding areas.

Jeff Patrick, who identified himself as a resident of Ezell, and Brad Woods, who said he serves as assistant chief, described the formation steps they have completed and planned. "We have submitted the Form 202, the certificate for formation to the Secretary of State," Patrick said, and the group is awaiting the return to obtain an EIN and then file for 501(c)(3) status. The presenters said the Golden Crescent planning committee has provided a proposed physical address for the station and that they will conduct fundraising.

The court praised the effort and encouraged the presenters to work with the county's Fire Chiefs Association, the judge and the association to finalize a proposed response area; the court asked them to return with progress updates. No formal vote was required for the presentation.