Frio County ESD 1

2026 September Newsletter

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 13:09:31 GMT

September is National Preparedness Month: Are You Ready?

Taking time this month to prepare your household can make a significant difference during severe weather events, extended power outages, or other emergencies. Preparedness isn't about expecting the worst. It's about being ready for whatever comes your way.

Do you need an address sign?

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From the Chief

Go Digital and Help Us Stay Connected

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter and for staying connected with your fire department. As we look for ways to reduce printing and mailing costs while continuing to keep our community informed, we encourage residents to opt in to our digital newsletter. Just visit our website and click on the Sign Up For Alerts link at the top of the home page.

By going digital, you'll help save taxpayer dollars and receive more timely updates. Our printed newsletter is mailed quarterly, but digital subscribers receive monthly updates with the latest department news, projects, events, and announcements.

If you're currently receiving both the printed and digital versions, please consider switching to digital-only. Together, we can reduce costs, improve communication, and stay better connected to our community.

Building for the Future: Station 1/Admin update

We’re excited to share some progress on the new Station 1/Admin complex, located at 6055 Koppe Bridge! Site work officially kicked off back on November 3,2025 and we’ve been making steady progress ever since.

We are excited to share that construction of Station 1 is now approximately 90% complete. The project is progressing well, and we are entering the final stages of construction. If everything stays on schedule, we hope our team will be able to move into the new station in October.

The countdown is on! Join us on November 2, 2026, for the Grand Opening Celebration. Come celebrate this milestone with us and be part of a memorable day filled with festivities, fun, and community spirit. More information is coming soon! For additional updates, be sure to check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/southbrazosesd1 .

Building for the Future: Station 4 groundbreaking

Fire Station No. 4 is under construction to replace the existing station for quicker response times and improved services for our growing community. Progress has been ongoing since the groundbreaking on July 9, 2026. Brazos county Pct. 1 Commissioner Bentley Nettles said, 'We want to get our response time down.' Thanks for your support!

2026 June Newsletter

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 12:57:56 GMT

Stay Safe This Holiday with CPSC’s Fireworks Safety Tips:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit— hot enough to melt some metals.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.
Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. • Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in your hand unless instructions specify to do so.

From the Chief

Building the Future: Station 1/Admin update

We’re excited to share some progress on the new Station 1/Admin complex, located at 6055 Koppe Bridge! Once completed, this impressive facility will span over 15,000 square feet and include office space, living quarters, and four apparatus bays.

Site work began on November 3, the driveways are already poured, and the concrete work, rock work. and drywall installation should be wrapped up soon.

Everything is moving along as planned; with completion on track for late 2026. For photos and updates, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/southbrazosesd1.

Building the Future: Station 4 groundbreaking

Come join us on Thursday, July 9 at 10 AM as we break ground for our new Fire Station No. 4 located at 21053 SH 6 S. “Station 4 is a key part of our long-range plans to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in our community,” said Fire Chief David Cooper.

Sign up for the digital News

Want to receive your newsletter via email instead of in print? Just visit our website and click on the Sign Up For Alerts link at the top of the home page.

5th Tuesday → June 30th, 2026

Get ready—our next 5th Tuesday is coming up on June 30, 2026, and you won’t want to miss it! Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun, relaxed evening with your volunteer first responders. We’ll have the grill going with burgers, brats, and hot dogs, plus cold drinks, and plenty of friendly faces. It’s the perfect chance to meet your neighbors, connect with the folks who serve your community, and kick back for a while.

Where: Station 6, 11770 Walnut Road

When: beginning around 6 PM

4th of July celebration

Come celebrate Independence Day with us in downtown Millican! Join the Millican Community Center and South Brazos County Fire Department for a fun-filled evening of food, family activities, and fireworks. Check out all the details at our website.

2026 March Newsletter

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 22:32:24 GMT

Did You Know?

Cooking is the main cause of home fires and fire injuries.
You CAN prevent cooking fires.

Stand by your pan.

If you leave the kitchen, turn the burner OFF.

Watch what you are cooking.

Fires start when the heat is too high. If you see any smoke or the grease starts to boil, turn the burner OFF.

Turn pot handles toward the back of the stove.

Keep children away from the stove.

Keep a pan lid or baking sheet nearby.

Use it to cover the pan if it catches on fire. This will put out the fire.

From the Chief

Although we receive most of our funding from tax dollars, we welcome and appreciate your donations, too. If you would like to make a donation to the South Brazos County Fire Department, please visit our website at www.brazoscountyesd1.org and click the “Donate” link at the bottom of the front page.

Call volume was up 27% from last year and 50% higher than 2023, mostly for medical emergencies, good intent, and service calls.

About the South Brazos County Fire Department

The South Brazos County Fire Department is an all-volunteer department that provides fire, rescue, and first responder emergency medical services for the residents and visitors in the 144-square mile service area south of the city of College Station all the way to the county line at the Navasota and Brazos rivers.

Supplemented by the paid crews of Brazos County ESD 1, our volunteers respond from four fire stations located throughout the district to over 1,000 emergencies each year.

Call volume continues to rise

Call volume is projected to be up over 20% from last year, and 39% higher than in 2024, mostly for medical emergencies.

Station 1/Admin update

Located at 6055 Koppe Bridge, the new complex will be over 15,000 sf, with offices, living spaces, and four apparatus bays. Site work began Nov 3; frame-out both interior and exterior is almost finished; and completion is scheduled for late 2026. For photos and more info, visit our Facebook page www.facebook.com/southbrazosesd1 .

5th Tuesday → March 31st, 2026

Mark your calendar for March 31st, 2026! Come join us for 5th Tuesday, a time to bring your family and friends to get together with your volunteer first responders for burgers, brats, and dogs. No RSVP needed; just show up with the family beginning around 6 PM at Station 6, 11770 Walnut Road.

4th of July celebration

The Millican Community Center and the South Brazos Couty Fire Department are planning 4th of July festivities in downtown Millican. Come celebrate Independence Day with us -- food, family fun, and fireworks. Visit the ESD 1 website at www.brazoscountyesd1.org for more details.

Planning a controlled burn?

If you are planning a controlled burn, call the Brazos County Dispatch at 979-361-3888 to see if there is a burn ban, and visit the county website at www.brazoscountytx.gov for the latest burn ban information.

We need volunteers

Think you have what it takes? We are actively looking for volunteers in both firefighter/EMTs and support roles. Just visit the ESD 1 website at www.brazoscountyesd1.org and click on “Join Our Team” tab at the top and then on “Volunteer Opportunities” button link.

Do you need an address sign?

Would you like to donate?

Although we receive most of our funding from tax dollars, we welcome and appreciate your donations, too. If you would like to make a donation to the South Brazos County Fire Department, please visit the ESD 1 website at www.brazoscountyesd1.org and click the “Donate” link at the bottom of the front page.

2025 December Newsletter

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 20:10:10 GMT

We have moved !!!

With the opening of Station 6, we have moved our administration offices to 11770 Walnut Road, College Station TX 77845. Make a note of our new phone number -- 979-703-1202.

We need volunteers

Think you have what it takes? We are actively looking for volunteers in both firefighter/EMTs and support roles. Just visit our website at www.brazoscountyesd1.org and click on “More Information” at the top and then “Job Board” in the drop-down menu.

Do you need an address sign?

Do you have a clearly marked address sign for fire and emergency services to find your location? The fire department can make these signs for you. There is a $15 charge per sign. To request a sign, just call 979-703-1202, and please leave a message if no one answers.

Would you like to donate?

About the South Brazos County Fire Department

Supplemented by the paid crews of Brazos County ESD 1, our volunteers respond from four fire stations located throughout the district to over 1,000 emergencies each year.

Call volume continues to rise

Call volume is projected to be up over 20% from last year, and 39% higher than in 2024, mostly for medical emergencies.

We are growing to serve you

More stations with paid, around-the-clock staffing means faster response times with a crew of skilled firefighter/EMTs.

“ This expansion is a key part of our long range plans to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in our community,” said Fire Chief David Cooper. “Skill plus speed saves lives.”

Announcing new Station 6

Located at 11770 Walnut Road, this station opened November 17, and adds a second paid crew 24/7, reduces response times, and improves coverage in the northern part of the District.

Sta 1/Admin building update

Located at 6055 Koppe Bridge. Groundbreaking for the new Fire Station 1 and admin building was a great success. The new complex will be over 15,000 sf, with offices, living spaces, and four apparatus bays. Site work began Nov 3; completion is scheduled for late 2026.

Announcing new Station 4

Station 4 is expanding and moving to a new location just south of the current location on Hwy 6 S. The new station will be about 6,500 sf, with living spaces and three apparatus bays. Completion is scheduled for early 2027.

5th Tuesday is March 31st, 2026

There will be no 5th Tuesday in December but mark your calendar for March 31st, 2026! Come join us for 5th Tuesday, a time to bring your family and get together with your volunteer first responders for burgers, brats, and dogs. No RSVP needed; just show up with the family beginning around 6 PM at Station 1, 14841 South Dowling Road.

Planning a controlled burn?

Call 911 if you have an emergency with a controlled burn.

2025 October Newsletter

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:45:02 GMT

Seasonal Fire Safety Tips

October is Fire Prevention Month, and this year’s theme is Charge into Fire Safety with lithium-ion batteries.

Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.

Charge devices safely . Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.

Recycle batteries responsibly . Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your lithium-ion device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you.

About the South Brazos County Fire Department

Supplemented by the paid crews of Brazos County ESD 1, our volunteers respond from four fire stations located throughout the district to over 1,000 emergencies each year.

Planning a controlled burn?

Call 911 if you have an emergency with a controlled burn.

We are growing to serve you

Announcing new Station 6. We are excited to announce that the new northside Station 6 will be open beginning November 17. This station will add a second paid crew 24/7, reduce response times, and improve coverage in the northern part of the District.

Sta 1/Administration building update. Groundbreaking for the new Fire Station 1 and admin building was a great success. Site work began November 3; with completion scheduled for late 2026.

Announcing new Station 4 . Station 4 is expanding and moving to a new location just south of the current location on Hwy 6 S. Completion is scheduled for early 2027.

“This expansion is a key part of our long-range plans to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in our community,” said Fire Chief David Cooper. “Our goal is to increase our capacity, improve our response times, and enhance emergency preparedness.”

5th Tuesday is March 31st, 2026

Opt In for news

Opting in for news allows you to stay informed about current events and for us to deliver targeted messages that you have requested. To opt in, just visit our website at www.brazoscountyesd1.org and click on the “Opt In for News” link at the bottom of the front page.

Would you like to donate?

2025 July Newsletter

Tue, 03 Nov 2026 14:41:18 GMT

Welcome to the SBCFD News

Howdy, South Brazos County residents! And welcome to this issue of the SBCFD News. About the South Brazos County Fire Department, the SBCFD.

Supplemented by the paid crews of Brazos County ESD 1, our volunteers respond from four fire stations located throughout the district to over 1,000 emergencies each year.

About Brazos County ESD 1

An ESD (Emergency Services District) is a political subdivision of the State of Texas, like a School District, Library District or Hospital District, created by the voters to provide emergency services – fire, rescue, and/or emergency medical services (EMS) – within the District.

Brazos County ESD 1 is governed by a board of five commissioners, appointed by Brazos County Commissioners Court to two-year terms. The District is allowed to levy ad valorem (property) tax up to a cap of $0.10 per $100 of property valuation.

The current ESD 1 property tax rate is $0.051347 per $100. The District also collects a 1.5% sales tax. These taxes provide the primary funding for fire protection and first responder EMS.

District meetings are held at the Millican Community Center the second Thursday of every month beginning at 5:30 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and the agenda includes public comment.

New Fire Chief

The Brazos County ESD Directors are happy to announce that David Cooper has been appointed as our new Fire Chief, replacing Mike Montgomery who will now serve as General Manager for the District.

Assistant Chief Chet Barker will continue in his role as second in command to Chief Cooper, responsible for day-to-day operations and emergency response.

Address signs

Do you have a clearly marked address sign for fire and emergency services to find your location? The fire department can make these signs for you. There is a $15 charge per sign. To request a sign, just call 936-825-3014, and please leave a message if no one answers.

SBCFD partners with Red Cross to install smoke alarms

Home fires claim seven lives every day. SBCFD has partnered with the Red Cross to help reduce the number of fire-related deaths in the home by 25% by installing smoke detectors. This program:

is available to any resident of any income level in the SBCFD service area.
allows for up to four alarms per home.

There is no cost for installation. To request a smoke alarm, just call 936-825-3014, and please leave a message if no one answers.

For more home fire safety tips, please visit the Red Cross website at: www.redcross.org .

Next 5th Tuesday is July 29th

Come join us for 5th Tuesday! Come join us for 5th Tuesday, a time to bring your family and get together with your volunteer first responders for hot dogs and burgers. No RSVP needed; just show up with the family beginning around 6 PM at Station 1, 14841 South Dowling Road.

Precinct 1 Town Hall Meeting

Commissioner Nettles is hosting his next town hall meeting to enhance community transparency beginning at 11 AM, Saturday August 9 at the Millican Community Center, 22284 Pierce Street. The public is invited to learn what’s happening in the county and enjoy a department BBQ fundraiser.

Precinct 1 Town Hall Meeting

Come join us on Friday, September 19 at 9 AM as we break ground for our new fire station and administration building at 6055 Koppe Bridge.

“This station and admin building are a key part of our long-range plans to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in our community,” said Fire Chief David Cooper. “The new fire station will increase our capacity, improve response times, and enhance emergency preparedness.”

We need volunteers

Grand Opening!

Mon, 26 Oct 2026 16:51:00 GMT

TODAY! Inside The Firehouse

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 13:23:00 GMT

Today at the Brazos Center

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Inside The Firehouse

Tue, 13 Oct 2026 19:03:00 GMT

Come by the Firehouse Wednesday October 14, 2026

Motorcycles Are Hard to See!

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:42:00 GMT

Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles

Commissioner Sign In

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 22:19:00 GMT

Swearing-in ceremony held for ESD No. 1 Commissioners

We Have Moved

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:06:00 GMT

Frio County ESD 1

2026 September Newsletter

2026 June Newsletter

2026 March Newsletter

2025 December Newsletter

2025 October Newsletter

2025 July Newsletter

Grand Opening!

TODAY! Inside The Firehouse

Today at the Brazos Center

Inside The Firehouse

Come by the Firehouse Wednesday October 14, 2026

Motorcycles Are Hard to See!

Share the Road: Look Twice for Motorcycles

Commissioner Sign In

We Have Moved

Brazos County Emergency Services District 1 Has Moved