Pecan Grove fire department struggles to keep doors open
PECAN GROVE, TX (KTRK) -- Donations will help keep fire engines rolling at the Pecan Grove Volunteer Fire Department -- for now.
In Fort Bend County, the Pecan Grove fire department helps protect the lives and property of people living in the neighborhood's 4,700 homes. A couple of weeks ago though, Chief Joe Woolley realized he didn't have the money to do so much beyond September.
"Well, we were very, very concerned," said Chief Woolley.
Homeowners he says are asked to donate $9 a month for operating expenses. It's a donation and it's voluntary.
Woolley says many have told him they assumed fire protection was paid for through their taxes. He says only about 35 percent of those living here have been giving of late.
"Had dropped to an all-time low, lowest it's ever been," said Chief Woolley.
Neighbors rallied. Children started making signs for lemonade stands reading "Save our Fire Department." The department itself got creative. They're selling tickets to raffle off 25 weapons. It's all helped raise thousands of dollars which the chief says will get them by until the end of the year. But then what? They say they've got to get more people to help foot the bill for this critical service.
"There's really no excuse," said Pecan Grove homeowner Gene Allen.
Allen and his wife have lived in their home here for 34 years. They say they make the monthly donation diligently.
"I'd be worried if I didn't think I had fire protection," said homeowner Lucille Allen.
They say they'd even support a mandatory fee, if that's what it takes to keep the area's two fire stations staffed 24/7 with two firefighters. Other neighbors seem to support that too.
"When time is of the essence, it's nice to have them right around the corner," said homeowner Melissa Schmidt.
The property owner's association is looking at making that fee mandatory or even making it a tax through the creation of an emergency services district here. But a majority of the community must approve either change.
