Georgetown Fire Department

About Us

“WHERE DUTY CALLS, THERE YOU WILL FIND US …”

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

To protect our community and surrounding region by providing prompt, professional, and caring services through continuous education, preparation, and community engagement.

OUR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

Click here to read our Professional Standards

OUR 2020-2025 STRATEGIC PLAN

Click here to read our current Strategic Plan

OVER 130 YEARS OF RICH HISTORY … 

Since 1881, professional and caring emergency services have been provided to the City of Georgetown. We are one of the longest standing fire departments in the United States.

Emzy Taylor
GFD’s First Fire Chief, Emzy Taylor
Hook and Ladder No. 1

All personnel of those early years were volunteers. The Hook and Ladder was pulled by both manpower and horses to the fire, then a bucket brigade sent water from the hose to the fire. This was primitive, indeed, compared to sophisticated equipment now. But, it saved many homes and buildings in the community from serious loss. Finally, in 1876, the Georgetown Fire Department was officially organized, just prior to the great fire of Taylorsville (Taylor, Texas) which destroyed almost all of the businesses of Taylorsville on February 25, 1879.


Click Here or on Chief Emzy Taylor’s Photo to Learn More
about Georgetown’s First Fire Chief


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The first firehouse was located at 816 South Main Street.  The original building was a wooden structure that housed the Hook and Ladder company.  The building was replaced in 1892 with a two-story limestone building that served as the Mayor’s office, City Council Chambers, City jail, & the Georgetown Water Company. This building still stands today at the intersection of 9th and Main Sts. (and still displays the original fire bell!)
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First GFD Assistant Chief, J.E. Cooper

In 1882, J.E. Cooper organized Rescue Hose Company No. 1.  This fire company had approximately twenty-five (25) volunteer firefighters and was housed in a separate wooden building at the corner of Timber Street and West 9th Street. J.E. Cooper was the foreman of this company and the Department’s first Assistant Fire Chief.


Chief Taylor and Rescue Hose Company No. 1

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Over the years, the department has evolved in size and capabilities to meet the emergency and rescue challenges of the community. Today, the department is comprised of highly professional and dedicated members that continue to meet the increasing service demands for our community.

1912-1918 Fire Station No. 1 (Engine No. 1 / No. 2)

The Department responds to nearly 10,000 emergency incidents per year, which is typical for cities in size similar to that of Georgetown. In addition to combating complex fires, firefighters provide pre-hospital emergency medical care (EMS), rescue people trapped as a result of accidents and respond to hazardous material releases. Specialized rescue capabilities include high angle rescue, confined space, trench rescue, wild fire mitigation, dive/recovery, and swift water rescue.


Original documents:


December 14, 1915, Chemical Engine Co. No. 1
May 18 1915, Constitution and Bylaws

BECOME PART OF THE TRADITION
CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT CITY OF GEORGETOWN JOB LISTINGS

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