Hondo VFD endscontract with ESD6

On Thursday, Nov. 21, at 11:59 p.m., 115 years of Hondo Volunteer Fire Department’s service to the Hondo area ended with the fire department’s termination of their contract with Medina County Emergency Service District 6 (MCESD6). 

Cause for the break, according to an HVFD ad (signed by HVFD President Phillip Batteau and Fire Chief Gaylon Schueling) in last week’s Anvil Herald, was the outdated Agreement with ESD6 (maintained only on month-to-month basis), secretive decisions and reckless actions (by the ESD board). 

These reasons left the fire department no choice, Batteau said in a recent interview, but to terminate the agreement because they “severely compromised the department’s ability to safely and adequately provide the necessary services to the citizens of Hondo.”

Batteau noted that after HVFD’s contract with ESD6 ended, ESD6 entered a 6-month contract with ESD1 which will provide a three-man crew (24/7) to replace a 25-volunteer crew. ESD1 will be using the Hondo fire station on Ave. Y and both HVFD-purchased and ESD6-purchased equipment, Batteau noted. 

In a recent Facebook post, the City of Hondo said, “the City of Hondo has maintained a neutral stance regarding the disputes between HVFD and ESD6. Our focus remains steadfast and ensuring uninterrupted fire protection services. We will continue to prioritize the well being of the community as these changes take effect.”

The city urged citizens with questions or need for further information to contact ESD6 directly.

The city’s post continued, “ESD6 contracted with ESD1 to provide 24/7 professional fire services. ESD1 will be operating out of the station in Hondo and has assured us of their readiness to serve our community, taking proactive steps to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

“The only difference,” the city said, “is paid firefighters from ESD1 will be responding in place of volunteers. This ensures that the community will continue to receive reliable and timely fire protection services.”

To access fire service, the public is advised to call 911. Calls will be answered the same.

Batteau said that HVFD plans to request an agenda item on the Medina County Commissioners Court meeting this coming Monday, Dec. 2.