COLDSPRING — A rift has developed between the Emergency Services District and the Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department over protection in the region, but both agencies state they are committed to providing firefighting services.
The issue, according to social media posts, is that the ESD is looking to consolidate nine volunteer departments under one umbrella and one fire chief, a plan that ESD officials say CVFD is resisting.
At a special meeting of the ESD board on June 2, the ESD board approved terminating a contract with the department, citing, according to an open letter from ESD President Brian May, the department’s continued resistance to move the district forward, and improperly transferring the deed to the district-funded building to the city of Coldspring.
“While we exercised the option to terminate (in 60 days) the contract based upon concerns of the Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department’s management decisions, we offered all the Coldspring volunteers the opportunity to continue serving the public — under the direction of the San Jacinto County ESD Fire Department and its fire chief,” the letter states. “This offer is still open to all volunteers from Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department. Anyone who wishes to serve their community will always have a place with us. However, the ESD board, myself included, will not allocate taxpayer dollars to individuals or organizations that do not uphold our core values, including accountability.”
Following the meeting, an unsigned letter of response was posted by the CVFD, which claims the ESD did not allow the VFD to provide any testimony at the hearing other than answering questions which, according to the letter, appeared to discredit the department and volunteers.
The letter also states that the Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department still is committed to the community, calling itself a family deeply rooted in this community. Additionally, the volunteers remain committed to training, receiving certifications and community service.
“I welcome any resident to visit us, discuss concerns, or share comments,” the letter states.
The ESD maintains that the fire service system within the county has been broken for some time, mainly because each department operates independently and there is a wide disparity in ability and training.
May’s letter states that some departments perform well while others consistently struggle.
“I believe most volunteers are motivated by the right reasons. Even those with good intentions sometimes fall short because they operate within a system — through no fault of their own — that does not mandate professional training, certifications, or qualifications for firefighters,” he states. “As a result, some individuals, often within a short time, become leaders or chief officers, doing their best to fulfill their vision without the necessary expertise.”
According to May, the solution is to consolidate fire services into one county fire department under the leadership of a paid, professionally qualified fire chief. This department will have standardized objectives and a single mission with a goal not to eliminate volunteers but to provide them with structure and opportunities to elevate their service to the level our community deserves.
“We have already hired a qualified fire chief to oversee all firefighters and stations, providing leadership, guidance, oversight, and accountability,” May’s letter states. “This structure will unite those who truly want to serve, equipping them with the training and education needed to perform efficiently and safely — for the community’s benefit and their own. By bringing all firefighters under a qualified chief, we will work to train all the volunteers to meet their full potential.
“The increased accountability will also reduce recent problems, which include inadequate and unsafe training leading to injuries, equipment failure, and workers’ compensation claims; embezzlement of taxpayer dollars; misuse of gear and equipment; unaccounted-for equipment worth thousands; poor resource and personnel management; and unprofessional or unethical conduct,” it states.
May also states that Coldspring will have adequate fire protection, as neighboring departments will provide coverage, and the San Jacinto County Fire Department has members ready to respond should Coldspring volunteers choose not to serve under the district’s leadership.
“While we exercised the option to terminate (in 60 days) the contract based upon concerns of the Coldspring Volunteer Fire Department’s management decisions, we offered all the Coldspring volunteers the opportunity to continue serving the public — under the direction of the San Jacinto County ESD Fire Department and its fire chief,” the letter states. “This offer is still open to all volunteers from Coldspring. Anyone who wishes to serve their community will always have a place with us. However, the ESD board, myself included, will not allocate taxpayer dollars to individuals or organizations that do not uphold our core values, including accountability.”
Both the ESD and the CVFD ask anyone with questions to contact them.
