87S30966 JRI-D
By: Morrison H.R. No. 129
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The City of Victoria is celebrating the 150th
anniversary of the Victoria Fire Department with an open house on
November 6, 2021; and
WHEREAS, In 1869, in response to several local fires, a group
of residents formed a bucket brigade and Victoria Fire Company
No. 1, a volunteer group that disbanded after a few months; the City
of Victoria formally authorized the formation of a downtown engine
house on June 5, 1870; the following year, C. R. Alden, a tradesman
with experience in fire organizations, laid the foundation for the
current department, and a used hand pumper was purchased from
Mobile, Alabama, to aid in fire-suppression efforts; and
WHEREAS, In the decades that followed, several other fire
response groups arose within the community; Fire Company No. 1
formed in 1882, Hook & Ladder Company No. 2 in 1882-1883,
Protection Hose Company No. 3 in 1885, and Mechanic's Hose Company
No. 4 in 1893; over time, the department continued to modernize,
and in 1910, the city hired its first salaried firefighters; by
1930, the department was fully motorized with two combination
pumper and hose trucks, a straight-hose truck, and a chief's car,
and in 1931 Salvage Corps Company No. 5 was established; the
department consolidated with the City of Victoria emergency medical
services into one organization in 1995; and
WHEREAS, Under the direction of fire chief Tracy Fox, the
present-day Victoria FD answers approximately 11,000 service
requests each year and now includes teams for hazardous materials
response, technical rescue, and water rescue; with strong ties to
the community, the department also participates in a number of
safety and educational programs for area residents, and in 2018 it
was recognized for best practices by the Texas Fire Chiefs
Association; and
WHEREAS, For 150 years, the courageous firefighters of the
Victoria Fire Department have devoted themselves to protecting the
lives and property of their fellow citizens, and this notable
milestone represents a fitting opportunity to recognize their vital
contributions to the community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commemorate the 150th
anniversary of the Victoria Fire Department and extend to its
members sincere best wishes for continued success with their
important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the department as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.