|
Black
smoke billows from windows. Raging flames dance on the roof and
engulf everything in their path. And a firefighter's first
thought isn't how to get away, but how to get inside. |
Odessa Fire Department
Est. 1927
The
Odessa Fire
Department is dedicated to the service of the Great Community of the
City of Odessa. Our mission at the Odessa Fire Department is to serve,
educate and protect through Training, Public Education, Fire Prevention
and Emergency Response.
The city is located in Ector County with a population of 90,943 and a
total county population of 124,000. Ector County covers 904 square miles
with 36.8 square miles being incorporated city. Odessa is located in
sunny west Texas, just east of the southeastern corner of New Mexico, at
an elevation of 2900 ft.
The Odessa Fire Department employs 162 full time employees. Of these 150
are full time paid firefighters, working a 3-platoon system. Fire fighters work a 24-hours on and 48 hours off shift. The
department operates 8 fire stations and 20 fire, EMS and rescue units.
The Odessa Fire Department is equipped with eight (8) engines, three (3)
of which are quints. All eight engines are staffed with four personnel.
A minimum of one paramedic is required for each crew. All are ALS
equipped and are first responders on EMS calls. The department runs four
full time ambulances, staffed with two paramedics each.
The fire department houses a specially equipped Hazardous Materials
Response Unit and a trained response team. There are currently 48
firefighters at the Haz-mat Technician level. In addition, we also have
a high angle, confined space and water rescue team with an equipped
response unit. The rescue team is made up 36 members, 2 are Level II
technicians and 8 are Level I technicians.
WWII Marine Veteran and
Retired Odessa Firefighter Lyndall D. Preslar tells his story.
Veteran receives Bronze Star
BY JOCELYN FOSTER/Odessa American
|
