H.R. No. 186 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, The Westlake Fire Department is celebrating the 50th anniversary of its founding in 2025; and WHEREAS, In 1975, a group of residents of Westlake and its surrounding communities came together to establish the Westlake Volunteer Fire Department; in its early days, the department had fewer than 20 members and a very modest inventory of equipment, but various fundraisers and donations eventually allowed it to build a station and acquire additional fire protection resources; and WHEREAS, Today, the Westlake Fire Department is largely funded by Harris County Emergency Services District No. 47, and it serves approximately 100,000 people in a 10-square-mile area in western Harris County; it is staffed by more than 150 volunteers and employees, including crew members who are on duty and available to assist in emergencies at all hours of the day and night; and WHEREAS, Every year, personnel answer thousands of calls for assistance with an average response time of five minutes, and it utilizes a fleet that encompasses two Class A engines, three command vehicles, three ambulances, a 100-foot aerial, a rescue boat, and a medic vehicle with assigned paramedics; through investments in its fire suppression capabilities, the department was able to improve its Insurance Services Office Public Protection Classification rating to 2, placing it among the top two percent of fire departments in the nation; and WHEREAS, For half a century, the dedicated members of the Westlake Fire Department have rendered exceptional service to their fellow Texans, and they may indeed reflect with pride on their contributions as they celebrate this notable milestone in the organization's history; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby honor the Westlake Fire Department on the occasion of its 50th anniversary and extend to its firefighters, emergency medical staff, and other personnel 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. Hull Rosenthal Vo ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 186 was adopted by the House on March 6, 2025, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House