West University Place Fire Department

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West University Place, TX
West University Place Fire Department

West University is known as a Neighborhood City—providing residents with exceptional customer service They chose J.A. Metcalf to be the 1st Fire Chief with H.P.

Early Beginnings
In late 1927, West University Place’s Mayor Schlesinger, concerned about getting the fire insurance rate for the town reduced, met with the State Fire Commissioner in Austin. Upon his return, he reported to the City Commissioners that in order to receive a substantial reduction in the rate, they must organize a volunteer fire department, purchase a fire truck, appoint a City Fire

Marshal, and build a fireproof fire station. Starting a Volunteer Fire Department
This was a tall order for the infant municipality, which had only incorporated 4 years earlier and did not have a lot of spare cash. However, the City Commissioners lost no time in taking action. At their meeting on February 13, 1928, they approved the purchase of the 1st piece of fire equipment for the City of West University Place: a 600-gallon capacity Seagrave Suburbanite Pumper for $8,750. The truck was delivered 2 weeks later and tested at the lake in Hermann Park under supervision of the Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief of Houston. City Council minutes state that “... all test made exceeded the guarantee made by the Seagrave Corporation. Residents of West University Place gathered in May of 1928 to form a volunteer fire department. Pope as his assistant. A total of 10 men made up the 1st volunteer group. Later that year, 2 men were hired to man the fire station day and night. The day fireman, Alvin Miles, was apparently a minor for he was “instructed to procure the permission of his parents and full consent from them in connection with such employment.” In addition to his firefighting responsibilities, Miles was also required to assist the City Secretary in his various duties. Fire Station
The City Hall, which included the Fire Station, was built by late 1928. In early 1929, Ordinance No. 27 created the office of Fire Marshal and named Metcalf to the position. The City had now complied with all of the state’s requirements. As a result, the City fire insurance rates were cut nearly in half in the following year. Grass Fires
Grass fires were the major concern of the department during its 1st year of operation. In a report Metcalf made to the City Commission early in 1929, he stated that he and his men had responded to 23 grass fires and 1 house fire in 1928. He also added that “the department has responded to calls for grass fires promptly and about all the grass in the town has been burned off.”

Ladies Auxiliary
A Ladies Auxiliary of the West University Place Fire Department was formed in 1933. The organization, open to wives of the firemen, charged dues of 10 cents per month. The women sent flowers to the sick, gave gifts to the new babies within the department, and held socials where they sold baked goods to buy equipment for the Fire Department. Department Officers
In 1944, when a history of the Fire Department was issued in the form of a small booklet, Metcalf was the Fire Chief. The other officers of the department were:

+ Cecil Emmons, Assistant Chief
+ Arthur Sweitzer, Battalion Chief
+ W.E. Fitzgerald, Senior Captain
+ Joe H. Dannenbaum, Junior Captain
+ John L. Golden, Chairman
+ James King, Secretary and Treasurer

At that time, there were 2 paid firemen, 30 volunteers, a corresponding secretary, and a young mascot named Jimmie Nees. In the years between 1928 and 1944, 2 men had lost their lives in the line of duty. In 1946, the city hired a 3rd fireman, Garvin H. Lacy. The other 2 paid firemen were J.D. “Red” Allstott and G.E. King. Metcalf stepped down as Fire Chief in the mid 1940s. He served as the City Fire Marshal for several years following his resignation. Over the next 10 years, 4 different men filled the position of Fire Chief:

+ W.F. Semmelrogge
+ A.L. “Smokey” Sweitzer
+ Claude V. Reynolds
+ George Juniel

Advanced Radio Technology
A big step forward for the volunteer fire department occurred in 1947 when a 2-way radio system was installed. Funds for the system, which cost $1,757, were raised by a house-to-house canvass by members of the Fire Department and Civic Club of West University Place. The central transmitting and receiving unit with the call letters of KWPJ was installed at the Fire Station and receiving sets were installed in the homes of 26 volunteer firemen. Previously, the firemen would hear the fire siren blow and have to either call the fire station to find out the location of the fire or try to follow the sound of the fire truck siren to the location of the blaze. The new system enabled the fire dispatcher at the station to simultaneously call all fire department members. The department
had the added distinction of being the 1st volunteer fire department in the country to have the radio system. Growth & Change in the Department
Being a volunteer fireman was definitely a labor of love. The majority were businessmen who held full-time jobs. The volunteers furnished their own transportation and gasoline, and were "subject to call" at all times of the day and night. Sometimes an entire night would be spent fighting and cleaning up after a fire. The volunteers would return home in the early hours of the morning with little or no sleep and go to work the following day. In addition to firefighting, they responded during hurricanes, they rescued children from locked bathrooms and cats from high places, and they performed first aid. When Hurricane Carla hit in September 1961, the Fire Department paid staff and volunteers worked day and night for 4 days. By 1973, West University Place had grown considerably and the focus of fire protection had changed. In the volunteer fire department’s early years, grass fires on empty lots had been their major concern. Now, with a dwelling covering nearly every lot in the city, protection of the resident’s homes was primary. It seemed feasible at this time to disband the volunteer fire department and convert to a fully-paid fire department. This was accomplished in 1973. Recent Fire Chiefs
Charles E. Duffin was appointed as Fire Chief in 1956. Upon his retirement in 1974, Ben Wilcher, became Fire Chief. Wilcher had been with the department since 1956. Wilcher retired in 1984 and Terry Stevenson was then appointed Fire Chief. Terry Stevenson was a lifelong West University Place resident who began his career with the city in 1971 as a firefighter and eventually worked his way to the position of Fire Chief in 1984. As Fire Chief, his contributions to the City were endless including his work in the reduction of the ISO (Insurance Standard Office) rating. Chief Stevenson created the beginnings of what is now the City's comprehensive Emergency Management Plan. He also made huge strides in developing a technically advanced and well trained fire department. Chief Stevenson retired on January 31, 2004. Upon Chief Stevenson's retirement, Steve Ralls (who began his career in 1974 with the West University Place Fire Department) was appointed Fire Chief, a job that he held 9 years until retirement in June 2013. Upon his retirement, Chief Ralls' Assistant Fire Chief Aaron Taylor was promoted to Fire Chief. Equipment & Personnel
Fire equipment, personnel and volume of calls have changed considerably since the department’s inception in 1928. In that year, their equipment consisted of a 1928 Seagraves Suburbanite Pumper. As of 2011, the West University Place Fire Department’s equipment has grown to include a 2007 Pierce Pumper, 1995 Pierce Pumper, 1990 Pierce Pumper, and a 2008 Frazer Ambulance. There were 10 men made up the 1st volunteer group of firefighters. Today there are 23 full-time employees including the:

+ Fire Chief/Emergency Management Coordinator
+ Assistant Chief/Fire Marshal
+ 3 Fire Captains
+ 3 Fire Lieutenants
+ 15 Firefighter/Paramedics

Response to Calls
In 1928, the volunteer firefighters responded to 23 grass fires and 1 house fire. In 2010, the fire truck received 774 calls for service and our ALS ambulance received 571 calls for service. One thing has not changed however: the dedication of the firefighters in protecting the lives and property of West University Place citizens. Source: Stepping Back in Time, History of West University Place by June A. Begeman

12/25/2022

12/23/2022

12/23/2022

12/23/22 6 p.m. - The City's phone system has been restored. For non-emergencies please contact 713-668-0330.
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12/23/22 3:20 p.m. - The phone system is still down. 9-1-1 is not impacted. For non-emergencies please contact 713-668-0330.
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12/23/22 8:18 a.m. - The City of West University Place phone system is currently down. 9-1-1 has not been impacted by the outage.

As a reminder, City facilities are closed today for the holidays. The Recreation Center will be open until 5:30 p.m.

12/22/2022

OUTDOOR SPRINKLERS: Turn off your timers, wrap your irrigation pipes and drain the water to your sprinkler systems. Here is a step by step process to drain the riser. Stay weather aware!

12/21/2022

🥶The National Weather Service is projecting an arctic front to move into the area Thursday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to drop very quickly with strong winds making the temperature feel like it’s in the 10’s or 1’s. Residents are encouraged to begin making preparations for freezing conditions.
☑️ Prepare your pipes
☑️ Secure or remove loose outdoor decorations and inflatables
☑️ Ensure you have food, water, and medicine available
☑️ Ensure your carbon monoxide detector is working
☑️ Bring pets & plants indoors

Resources:
📍 https://www.westutx.gov/
📍 US National Weather Service Houston-Galveston Texas

12/21/2022

OUTDOOR SPRINKLERS: Turn off your timers, wrap your irrigation pipes and drain the water to your sprinkler systems. Here is a step by step process to drain the riser. Stay weather aware!

12/20/2022

COLD WEATHER PREPARATIONS: Remember the P's with cold weather headed our way Thursday. Check on your people (neighbors), pets, plants and pipes. Stay weather aware!

12/20/2022

WIND CHILL FRIDAY: Friday’s wind chill factors are no joke! Dig out your hats, scarfs, neck gators and gloves from the back of your closets. Keep all exposed skin covered. Stay safe and warm out there!

12/19/2022

OUTDOOR SPRINKLERS: Turn off your timers, wrap your irrigation pipes and drain the water to your sprinkler systems. Here is a step by step process to drain the riser. Stay weather aware!

12/19/2022

Photos from Bellaire Fire Department's post

12/18/2022

IT’S RAINING TOYS: This is one of many generous donations we have received this year!
Toys for Tots came by and picked up a TRUCK FULL of toys that were dropped off here at the fire station and other City of West University buildings.
Don’t worry, the toys that missed the Toys for Tots drive will still be donated to other charities!
We, and the children who will receive these awesome gifts, are very thankful to anyone and everyone who was able to donate.
Also, we are wrapping up 🎁 our time to collect! Thank you very much for this year’s donations!

12/15/2022

ANNIVERSARY: Please help us congratulate and thank firefighter/paramedic and FTO Joseph Lau on his 5 years of dedicated service to the City of West University Place. Thank you for all that you do. We look forward to many more!

12/15/2022

ANNIVERSARY: Please help us congratulate and thank firefighter/paramedic Auston Douglas on his 5 years of dedicated service to the City of West University Place. Thank you for all that you do. We look forward to many more!

12/14/2022

CHRISTMAS TREE SAFETY: Always turn off your Christmas tree lights before leaving home or going to bed. Almost one third of home Christmas tree fires are caused by electrical problems. Stay safe and have a wonderful Christmas!

12/13/2022

CHECK YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS: You should check your detector once a month and change the batteries twice a year. If your detector is over 10 years old, it's time to replace it. For more information visit the Fire Department page at westutx.gov

12/12/2022

BEFORE HEADING OUT OR TO BED: Blow out lit candles and turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed. Have a safe and happy holiday season!

12/09/2022

12/06/2022

TOYS FOR TOTS: We are currently collecting toys for this year's Toys for Tots campaign. Bring your unwrapped gifts to our collection points at the Fire Station, City Hall, Rec Center and Community Center. Let's make a difference!

12/05/2022

ATTENTION: We would like to congratulate Firefighter/Paramedic Luis “Gonzo” Gonzalez for becoming our department’s newest credentialed PARAMEDIC. We are so very proud of his hard work throughout the FTO program. A big thanks also goes out to our medical director, Dr. Jamie McCarthy for giving his final approval. Let us congratulate Luis for a job well done! Great job!!

12/05/2022

12/01/2022

11/28/2022

❗️💧Boil Water Notice Update #1: The City of Houston (COH) Boil Water Notice is still in effect for residents living in the 4100-4200 blocks of Law Street. Here are a few reasons why this does not impact West U's water system.

- At approx. 7:20 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, West U received notice from COH that the water pressure dropped below the minimum water pressure required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

- At that time West U staff shut off the water connection from the COH water system.

- The reason West U did not issue a boil water notice is our water monitoring software provides real-time and historical data which showed West U's water quality and pressure remained above TCEQ's requirements.

- West U's water system will remain on its own water well supply until the City of Houston lifts its boil water notice.

If you live on Law Street please continue to boil water or use bottled water for consumption. All West U residents are asked to take water conservation measures during this time.

Please know that the safety and security of West U’s water quality is a top priority and this was supported by your City Council in upgrades and improvements to the City’s Water System. Over the next couple of months, the City Council will be reviewing and considering additional upgrades and improvements to the City’s water supply system to ensure that our system remains resilient and safe for customers.

11/28/2022

The City of Houston has issued a boil water notice. This impacts West U residents living on Law Street only. Law Street residents should not drink water until boiling first. When boiling water for consumption, bring to a rolling boil for at least two minutes. Let cool before using. Individuals without power to boil water should use bottled water for consumption.

The City of West University Place has shut off water intake from the City of Houston and is monitoring levels. Residents are asked to take water conservation measures during this time.

Please continue to follow recommendations from the City of Houston and the City of West University Place. The City of West University Place has set-up a phone bank for residents to call for non-emergency issues. Please call 713-668-4441 to report water leak issues or if you are unable to shut off water to your home.

11/22/2022

11/18/2022

WE ARE HIRING! We are currently seeking candidates for a Firefighter/Paramedic to join our team. www.westutx.gov/jobs

11/15/2022

ANNIVERSARY: Happy Anniversary to Lieutenant Michael Ashcraft! Today marks his 13th anniversary with us at WUFD! Lt. Ashcraft is one of our A-Shift fire officers, and was newly promoted to his position earlier this year and has excelled in his new leadership role.
He is a great resource for information and always willing to answer any questions. We look forward to more many years with Lt. Ashcraft on shift with us, and appreciate his enthusiastic contributions.
Please help us to congratulate and thank Lt. Michael Ashcraft for his service!

11/14/2022

11/11/2022

Happy Veteran’s Day to those who have served and to those who continue to! 🇺🇸 We at West University Fire Department thank you for your service!

11/09/2022

WE ARE HIRING! We are currently seeking candidates for a Firefighter/Paramedic to join our team. www.westutx.gov/jobs

11/09/2022

WUPD has shared some great and important information!

Teaching your children these four simple things when calling 9-1-1 could be valuable in the event of an emergency.

1. How to dial 9-1-1
2. Their full name. This will be useful in other situations as well when they are in need of assistance from a trusted adult/first responder
3. Their home address and phone number. Many homes don't have landlines anymore, so knowing a phone number to reach a parent is important.
4. Their parents/guardians name. It is important for your child to know your name, not just that your name is Mommy, Daddy, Grammie or Grandpa. This will help first responders locate you in a time of need.

11/08/2022

WE ARE HIRING! We are currently seeking candidates for a Firefighter/Paramedic to join our team. www.westutx.gov/jobs

11/08/2022

Standing with our sister department during this difficult time. You will be dearly missed.

11/07/2022

11/04/2022

Timeline photos

Strong to severe storms are expected to develop across SE TX this afternoon and tonight, along and ahead of a cold front. The main risks with these storms will be strong, damaging winds and isolated tornadoes. Stay weather aware and weather prepared!

11/03/2022

SEVERE WEATHER FRIDAY NIGHT: The threat for severe storms remains in the forecast between late Friday afternoon and Friday night across SE Texas. During the late afternoon to early evening hours (3 - 7 PM), scattered thunderstorms are expected to develop ahead of an approaching surface cold front, with some strong to severe storms possible. As the front moves into the area on Friday night, a line of strong thunderstorms is expected to develop along the boundary. This line of storms is expected to impact the Brazos Valley between approximately 7 PM and 9 PM, the Houston Metro area between approximately 9 PM and 11 PM, and the coast between approximately 11 PM and 2 AM. The Storm Prediction Center has extended the Enhanced Risk area further southward in its outlook today (see graphic below), now covering most locations to the north of the I-10 corridor. The remainder of the area remains in a Slight Risk area for severe storms. The main threat associated with this line of storms continues to be strong, damaging wind gusts. However, isolated tornadoes and hail will also be possible.

11/03/2022

WE ARE HIRING! We are currently seeking candidates for a Firefighter/Paramedic to join our team. www.westutx.gov/jobs

11/02/2022

WE ARE HIRING! We are currently seeking candidates for a Firefighter/Paramedic to join our team. www.westutx.gov/jobs

11/01/2022

WE ARE HIRING! We are currently seeking candidates for a Firefighter/Paramedic to join our team. www.westutx.gov/jobs

10/28/2022

National First Responder Day - We want to thank all of our First Responders for their dedicated service to our local community and the Nation.

Address

3800 University Boulevard, West University Place
Houston, TX
77005

Telephone

+17136625835

Website

http://www.westutx.gov/175/Fire-Department

Alerts

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Videos

CAR CRUISE: We were honored to participate in a car cruise today visiting our community. Have a safe and happy 4th of July.

DECON! A huge shout out to Garland Fire Fighter Association for sharing the specs for this air sprayer to disinfect our station. It works great!

OUT OF SERVICE: Thank you for all you did for our department. We will make you proud!

Thank you Santa for coming to our city tonight. The magic is in the air!

WATER RESCUES: Our high water vehicle is en route to a water emergency. Please stay in doors and don’t drive through high water.

Chief Taylor leading by example! Chief joined the B-Shift in performing the WUFD physical agility test this afternoon.

CHARGE IT! A little pump opps training this morning. FF/EMT Manny Arredondo working on establishing a water supply to an FDC.

Between emergency calls and training we find ourselves maintaining the station. Thanks to Firefighters Elder and Tippett for being good stewards of our facilities.

WATER RESCUE TRAINING: The C Shift went to Colony Park this morning working on water rescue training. A huge thank you to James Browning and his life guards for teaching us some rescue techniques. Here is a great throw by FF/Paramedic Austin Sanders.

BLOCK PARTY FUN: Everyone had a little fun while we got to visit with our residents. We sure love when we get to visit with our community!

WALL BREECH: C Shift working on some self extrication techniques. FF/EMT Gonzalez gets through the sheet rock moving from 1 room to the next in a donated house on Fenwood.