BY JARRETT WHITENER
Boerne Fire Department
What happens next?
department’s response area to 193 square miles. Boerne has not faced many challenges in getting applicants for positions, unlike neighboring departments. The largest challenge comes with adding staffing and finding funding for those positions within the city budget, Casarez said.
Upon opening the second fire station, the Boerne Fire Department will staff the facility with four full-time employees. Casarez said one of the challenges with main- taining a low response time is the addition of responses outside the city limits, which brings the
Casarez said Fire Station 2 is expected to break ground in April and be under construction for 12-18 months, with an opening date in Summer 2027. For the station site located off I-10, Andrade said the department is working on a Standard of Cover, identifying which areas need improved fire services. “A lot of people are seeing the growth out here, and the number of fire stations coming in the future. It is a testament to the thriving economy here and the desire to be here,” Casarez said.
Boerne calls and response times Year over year, the Boerne Fire Department has seen an increase in the number of calls. At the same time, the department has worked to decrease response times.
8.54
5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000
10
+102%
7.2
6 4 0 2 8
4,137
-15.69%
2,048
Future facility plans
0
2021
2022
2023
2025
2021
2025
2024
2022 2023 2024
2026
May: ESD 4 makes decision on Station 135 April: Boerne Fire Station 2 expected to break ground
SOURCE: BOERNE FIRE DEPARTMENT/COMMUNITY IMPACT
2027
Bexar County ESD No. 4
Summer 2027: Boerne Fire Station 2 expected to be completed Late 2027: ESD Station 135 expected to be completed 2028: Boerne Fire Station 3 anticipated to begin development
salary over the grant’s duration. Should the grant be awarded, the department could utilize funds in early 2027. If staffed, the facility would reduce the response times in Fair Oaks Ranch. “[The grant] helps us match what Fair Oaks Ranch is paying today. That kind of mimics their pay structure of taxes to Bexar County ESD 4, and we’re hoping that we’ll be successful with that grant next year,” Andrade said.
Chief Andrade said that the station on the northern side of Fair Oaks Ranch is being consid- ered to house department equipment. Since the location was formerly a volunteer fire department, the facility does not meet the needs of a full-time department. Andrade said the department is pursuing a grant to staff the facility. If the grant is authorized, the ESD would pay a match for employee wages, and the district would assume a greater portion of the
2028
SOURCE: CITY OF BOERNE, BEXAR COUNTY ESD 4/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
Feel better. Look Better. Live Better with Essentrics Flexibility • Strength • Posture • Pain Relief Energy • Range of Motion Classes at Ministry of Dance on Main Street in Boerne
debrabutts tness.com | 210-473-7654 Live in person or virtual sessions available!
15
BOERNE - FAIR OAKS RANCH EDITION
Powered by FlippingBook