Horseshoe Bay Fire Department raising money for fire rescue boat
The Horseshoe Bay Fire Department’s Central Fire Station is the city’s primary hub for fire and rescue operations. Staff photo by Maci Cottingham
The Horseshoe Bay Fire Department needs to raise $300,000 to purchase a fire rescue boat to improve emergency response times on Lake LBJ.
The goal amount would cover the cost of a new-build boat, a Munson Model 26-48. To date, 10 percent has been raised. A Sept. 11 golf tournament hosted by two private Horseshoe Bay golf associations is expected to boost that number.
Donations to the fire department effort may be made online.
Mayor Elsie Thurman said the project is a great way to give back to the fire department for its service, which also includes a danger prevention program for the elderly that assists with tasks such as changing lightbulbs and smoke detector batteries.
“Citizens often want a way to thank firemen for exemplary service, and (the fundraiser) provides that means for them to make donations,” she said.
Thurman said the city is not buying the boat as it would primarily benefit waterfront properties and those who use Lake LBJ recreationally. Horseshoe Bay’s primary source of funding comes from property taxes, so any items purchased for the fire department should be beneficial to all residents, she explained.
However, the city did recently fund the rebuild of Fire Station 2 and the purchase of air packs—known as Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)—which protect firefighters from inhaling toxic chemicals.
With the recent upgrades in place, Fire Chief Doug Fowler said this was the right time to get the fundraiser going and the rescue boat added to the arsenal. He believes the boat will “fill a hole” in the area, as no other local department currently has one.
The idea for a fire rescue boat came from Fowler’s previous experience on South Padre Island, where the absence of a dedicated vessel highlighted the critical need for one. When he assumed his role in Horseshoe Bay, he was motivated to take action.
“I recognized the need,” Fowler said.
Building a boat takes two years and requires a $25,000 down payment to start. Fowler hopes to save $125,000, about 40 percent of the total, before making the payment. He expects it will take a year to 18 months to raise those funds and, at that time, make the down payment and begin the project. Maintenance and other related items would be worked into the department’s annual budget once the boat is purchased.
By the end of this year, Fowler said he should have a better idea of the timeline involved based on community support.
The Model 26-48, already in use by departments such as Grand Prairie, has a top speed of 41 mph. It is lightweight, durable, and effective in shallow water, making it especially useful on Lake LBJ, which has a wide range of depths. The boat could be used in drownings, firefighting, and other emergencies.
Fowler said the fire rescue boat would be a significant upgrade from the department’s current swiftwater vessel and would greatly reduce emergency response times. The current boat must be trailered, transported, and launched—steps that add time and create potential safety hazards. In contrast, a fire boat could be stationed on the lake 24/7, which Fowler estimates could lower the department’s response to an emergency by 20 minutes or more.
The boat can also pump water directly from the lake, which makes it especially valuable during waterfront fires and for accessing homes that might be difficult to reach by road.
Although the boat would belong to Horseshoe Bay, Fowler emphasized it would benefit the entire Highland Lakes during mutual aid situations.
Several Horseshoe Bay firefighters are already certified boat operators, but Fowler said he would want to increase that number to ensure around-the-clock readiness. Training requires basic firefighting, marine navigation, emergency response, vessel maintenance, and a commission-approved Marine Fire Suppression certification, as well as passing a marine exam.