Ponderosa Fire Department

07/11/2025

The Ponderosa Fire Department is proud to share that 9 of our dedicated members from A, B, and C shifts recently completed the Rescue Boat Operator course with Triad Rescue International.

This hands-on training is crucial given the frequency of hurricanes and severe weather in the Houston area, and it ensures our team is prepared to respond quickly and safely to water-related emergencies.

During the course, we also had the opportunity to get our own equipment out on the water, allowing us to test, make adjustments, and fine-tune it for real-world operations. This proactive step helps ensure we’re always ready when our community needs us.

Thank you to Triad Rescue International for the expert instruction and to our members for their commitment to staying rescue-ready!

07/04/2025

As we celebrate our nation’s independence today, we want to wish everyone a safe and joyful holiday. Let’s honor the spirit of freedom, unity, and community that makes our country strong.

Please remember to celebrate responsibly:

• Be cautious with fireworks — leave them to the professionals.
• Fire danger is high — avoid open flames and follow local burn restrictions.
• If you need us, we’re here and ready to respond.

From our family to yours — have a fun, safe, and patriotic Independence Day!
Stay safe, stay smart, and enjoy the celebration. 🎇

– The Ponderosa Fire Department

07/03/2025

The Ponderosa Summer 2025 Newsletter is here!

Check out this season’s issue for:

- Grilling safety tips
- Info about your ESD 28 team
- Water safety and drowning prevention
- Hurricane prep reminders

It’s full of helpful info to keep you and your family safe this summer.

07/03/2025

Help us keep our community safe! Soak used fireworks in water and place them in a metal container away from buildings or flammable materials. Let’s celebrate safely!

Proper disposal matters! Don’t forget fireworks safety continues even after the show is over.
Used fireworks can still be dangerous if not disposed of properly.

Avoid putting spent fireworks in household trash or near anything flammable.

06/30/2025

The Ponderosa Fire Department would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Houston Diesels for their incredible support and generosity. Their recent water drive provided 30 pallets of water to 21 fire departments across 5 counties — including ours!

Efforts like this make a real difference in helping departments like ours stay hydrated and mission-ready during this intense heat.

06/23/2025

On 6/21/25, Ponderosa Engine 61 was dispatched to assist Champions ESD with a residential structure fire. Our crews supported fire suppression efforts alongside partner agencies. Great teamwork ensured the scene was brought under control safely.

06/21/2025

The Ponderosa Fire Department is currently in the process of completing their annual physicals in partnership with 1st Response Family Clinic. As part of the evaluation, members participated in a variety of assessments, including stress and agility tests, as well as ultrasound screenings for cancer. These activities provide valuable insight into each firefighter’s current health status and highlight areas for improvement to ensure they remain fit for duty.

In addition to the physical assessments, blood work and chest X-rays were conducted to help detect early signs of cancer—an increasingly common health risk in the fire service due to regular exposure to hazardous substances. These preventative measures are essential in supporting the long-term health and safety of our firefighters.

We would like to extend a sincere thank you to 1st Response Clinical for their continued support and dedication to firefighter health and wellness. Their partnership plays a vital role in helping us stay safe, strong, and ready to serve our community.

06/11/2025

The Ponderosa Fire Department is proud to recognize Firefighter/Driver Nathan Cloud for his recent accomplishments. Nathan has successfully completed the rigorous process required to become a certified driver — a milestone that demands significant training, skill, and commitment.

Thanks to this collective effort and Nathan's determination, he is now fully cleared to operate our Engines, Tower, and Rescue Trucks. In addition, he has earned his Driver Operator Pumper and Aerial Certifications, further expanding his capabilities and contributions to the team.

To mark this achievement, Nathan was proudly presented with his new driver shield — a symbol of his hard work. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition!

06/04/2025

This week, Ponderosa firefighters have dedicated time to training on common vehicle extrication techniques. With several new firefighters recently assigned to our station, this hands-on training is a valuable opportunity to introduce them to one of the critical rescue scenarios we frequently encounter.

Our response area includes numerous high-traffic streets and major highways, making motor vehicle accidents a regular part of our emergency calls. During the training, crews worked through realistic scenarios — including vehicle rollovers — where they practiced stabilizing overturned vehicles, using eDraulic tools, and performing safe and efficient extrications of simulated victims.

These exercises not only sharpen technical skills but also strengthen coordination, communication, and safety awareness among the crews — all of which are essential in high-stress rescue operations.

06/03/2025

As hurricane season kicks off, the Ponderosa Fire Department reminds our community that preparation is our best defense. Storms can develop quickly and unpredictably.

Why Prepare Now?
Every year, hurricanes bring the risk of strong winds, heavy rain, flooding, and power outages. While we can’t control the weather, we can control how ready we are when it hits.

Take These Simple Steps:

📦 Build an emergency kit (water, food, flashlights, medications, important documents)

📱 Stay informed (follow weather alerts, local authorities, and official updates)

🏠 Prepare your home (secure loose items, check drainage, review evacuation routes)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Make a family plan (know where to go and how to communicate)

The Ponderosa Fire Department is here to support and protect our neighbors. Let’s work together to stay safe, stay strong, and stay prepared.

06/02/2025

Congratulations to Roland DeLeon (B-shift) and Jake Whitehead (C-Shift) on successfully completing their first year as firefighters with the Ponderosa Fire Department!

This milestone reflects a full year of dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving our community. Throughout the year, they completed rigorous phase training, which ensures they meet the department’s standards by mastering essential skills. Plus, they earned their black shields—a tradition in the fire service that marks the move from rookie (orange) to full-fledged firefighter (black) after that first year.

We commend their bravery, resilience, and readiness to answer the call. Here’s to many more years of success!

05/29/2025

To the Family, Friends, and Members of the Harris County ESD 17 Little York Fire,

It is with heavy hearts that the Ponderosa Fire Department extends our deepest condolences on the passing of Firefighter Zachary Ross.

Zachary’s service, dedication, and sacrifice will never be forgotten. As mutual aid partners and close colleagues, we have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Little York Fire Department on many calls, and we feel this loss deeply alongside you.

Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. We honor Zachary’s memory and are here to support you.

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Firefighter Zachary Ross of Harris County ESD 17 | Little York Fire Department, Engine Company 83 B-Shift, who passed away early this morning following a medical emergency.

Zachary was not only a dedicated firefighter but also an incredibly cherished member of our family. His unwavering commitment to service, courage in the face of danger, and deep compassion for others defined his career and inspired all who knew him.

At Little York, the bond among firefighters goes beyond the station walls—we are a family. Zachary embodied this spirit wholeheartedly, always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer support during challenging times. 

His absence leaves a void that words cannot fill, but his legacy of bravery, kindness, and dedication will forever remain in our hearts.

We extend our deepest condolences to Zachary’s family, friends, and all who had the privilege of serving alongside him. May we honor his memory by continuing to serve with the same passion and integrity that he exemplified every day. 

Rest in peace, Firefighter Ross. Your light continues to guide us.