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Friends,
Recently, much discussion has been devoted to the importance of pay for firefighters, and rightfully so, but we must also invest in operations through equipment and assets that help them perform their jobs at the highest level. That’s why I am thrilled to share some exciting news that underscores our ongoing commitment to public safety in District J and the entire city of Houston. This week, we unveiled a new evacuation boat for the Houston Fire Department (HFD), a significant addition to our emergency response capabilities.
Over the past two years, my office has diligently worked with HFD to address the critical need for a specialized rescue boat. This vessel is designed to reach residents during extreme flood events, particularly in areas where high-water vehicles cannot access. The purchase, which cost close to $100,000, was fully funded by my council office, demonstrating our dedication to enhancing community safety. With a history of strong storms and flooding in the area, and as we enter what is expected to be a very active hurricane season, I wanted to make this a high priority for our fire department.
The rescue boat unveiling took place in Braeburn Valley, a neighborhood that has unfortunately experienced routine flooding. The location of the event was symbolic, held in front of a house abandoned due to continuous flooding. This new rescue boat will play a crucial role in the future by ensuring quicker and more effective evacuation during emergencies.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Chief Pena, Captain Moreno, and all HFD leadership who collaborated with my office to make this purchase a reality. Thank you for your continued support and trust.
Together we will!
Edward Pollard
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