How can I support the Granbury Vol. Fire Dept.?

Community support of a volunteer fire department is essential to provide a high level of service. The more support the department has, the greater level of service it can provide. The increase in support can also benefit all citizens by reducing homeowner's insurance rates under the new ISO rating system.

There are several ways an individual (or groups) can support us:

• Time, by joining the department as a "Firefighter" or "First Responder/EMT."
• Time, by providing us with other skills or services we may need. We also value non-traditional (non-firefighting) ways in which members of the community can assist us without having to become a firefighter. If you have a special skill, or can provide a service you think we may benefit from, please let us know. We could certainly benefit from new members with medical knowledge/experience, communications experts, individuals trained in hazardous materials, rescue situations, and even SCUBA divers. If you have the knowledge or experience to help teach or train new skills to our members, we'd like to hear from you, too.
• Finances. Based upon Granbury's recent explosive growth, there has been a significant increase in our number of emergency responses. Along with the increase in calls is an associated increase in expenses. Donations are most welcome and may be tax-deductible. Please contact the station for more information.
  

What services does the Granbury Vol. Fire Dept. provide?

Like most fire departments, we provide a range of services that includes, but is not limited to: fire suppression, emergency medical response, vehicular accident rescue, and technical rescue situations. We also perform Search and Rescue and even have an underwater dive team. In addition, we try to assist the community and its citizens in numerous other ways including training, classes and summer programs for children, and active participation in many Civic events, attractions, and fundraisers.

How much does a Granbury firefighter make?

We are an all volunteer department, and our members donate their time to serve and protect the community. A city and state supported pension system is available for qualifying members who donate years of dedicated service.

Can I schedule a station tour?

You can schedule a station tour by calling Station One - (817) 579-1111. If there is no answer, please leave a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. And remember, you are welcome to stop by anytime the doors are open.

Can I burn outside today?

If you are located inside the Granbury City Limits, the best way to determine if it permissible to burn outside is to contact the Fire Inspector's office Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00 at (817) 573-2648. For outdoor burns in the rest of Hood County, please contact the Hood County Fire Marshal's office at (817) 579-3335. After hours and on weekends, contact the Sheriff's Office at (817) 579-3307. These people will advise whether you may burn and ask other questions to prevent a false alarm from being reported. We make numerous calls to controlled burns where passersby feel there is actually an emergency. If the dispatchers know ahead of time where controlled burns are occurring, we can save tax dollars and reduce the risk of traffic accidents.

Will the fire dept. stand by a controlled burn for me?

Due to liability involved, the Granbury VFD cannot provide this service with one exception: if you have a structure that you intend to destroy, we may be able to do this for training purposes. Please call Station One at (817) 579-1111 to discuss. If there is no answer, please leave a message. In other situations, contact the local community or subdivision VFD as they may stand by controlled burns from time to time.

I think I want to join the GVFD. How do I proceed?

Before that question is answered, let's discuss what can be expected as a member.

You will be committing yourself to responding to all types of emergencies in all types of weather dealing with all types of people.  We are an aggressive fire department, and we work hard for what we have.  We have all the apparatus and equipment of the big-city fire departments, but along with it comes a sacrifice...fire calls at 3 AM...missed dinners...and a very hostile working environment, quite possibly the most hostile one known to man.  In terms of physical exertion, fifteen minutes of actual firefighting is equivalent to 8 hours on a construction site.  You'll be wearing almost 75 extra pounds of clothing and other gear which limits your mobility. You will get wet, dirty, hot, cold, tired, risk possible exposure to dangerous chemicals, atmospheres, and body fluids. You may even experience people who will curse at you or threaten you and it is likely that, from time to time, you will see things that will turn your stomach.  All this is not meant to scare you; it's meant to give you a small taste of reality.

On the other hand, if you decide that this sounds exciting to you, join the department, "make the grade," and you will be part of an international brotherhood...a brotherhood like no other.  No matter where you go, once a firefighter, always a firefighter.  People will look up to you.  We treat each other like family.  If you need something, let one of us know and we'll do everything we can to help you.  Yes, you get to work in the worst environment known to man, but you also become part of the best family there is.

Additional information about applications and membership are found on the "Personnel" page.