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RESPONSE AREA The Community Volunteer Fire Department proudly serves an estimated population of 150,000 residents in the unincorporated portions of Southwestern Harris County and Northeastern Fort Bend County, in the general areas of Alief, Mission Bend, and Cinco Ranch. ABOUT US Overview From the Chief Command Staff Response Area History

STATION 91 Fire Station 91 is considered our central and busiest fire station. Station 91 serves the dense area of Mission Bend, between the boundaries of Highway 6 to slightly West of FM 1464. This current location opened in 2006, moving from an old building historically known as "C Station" Fire Station 91 houses our shift Battalion Chief, Incident Safety Officer, Engine 91, Ladder 91, and Booster 91. Station 91 also houses our Special Operations division including our Heavy Rescue Truck, Foam Pumper, and Mobile Command Vehicle. Fire Station 91 16003 Bellaire Blvd. Houston, TX. 77083 (281) 498-1310 LOCATIONS Administration Station 91 Station 92 Station 93 Station 94 Station 95 Conference Center Training Facility Westcom

FROM THE FIRE CHIEF On behalf of the 300 outstanding men and women of the Community Volunteer Fire Department, I want to thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I hope that our webpages will provide you with valuable information on the wide range of services our agency offers. Community Volunteer Fire Department has been providing professional and dedicated service to the area for the last 50 years. Our department's mission is to provide excellent customer service to the citizens with a set of specialized skills to protect lives, property, and the environment through preparedness, education, and emergency response. The citizens whom call us in their time of need expect knowledgeable and highly trained EMT’s and firefighters to develop a plan of action to mitigate every need of the community. We will provide such service with compassion and commitment to every call of the day. I am truly honored and humbled to serve this department and its citizens as your Fire Chief. ABOUT US Overview From the Chief Command Staff Response Area History Since my early days of volunteering as a firefighter to my current role – serving others is my true passion. I am excited about our future and growing opportunities to exceed our community’s expectations. We are continually working to ensure that our training, equipment and facilities meet the needs of the citizens and neighborhoods we serve. Our department provides multiple programs and services to include: Fire Suppression, Emergency Medical Services, Tactical Medicine, Technical Rescue, Water Rescue, Hazard Materials Mitigation, Community Interaction, and Fire and EMS Training Academies. We will continue to improve Community Volunteer Fire Department to meet the many challenges we may face, as we remain focused on protecting the life and property of the residents of this community.

BATTERY SAFETY The best way to be safe is to prevent a lithium-ion battery fire from starting. Take these important actions now. Lithium-ion batteries can go into thermal runaway undetected and result in a fire. Not just any fire, a fire that emits flames, smoke and toxic gases that can cause an explosion and spread throughout a house, apartment, or storefront. DID YOU KNOW? PUBLIC INFO Public Courses Community Events Fire Station Tours Records Request Pay Transport Bill Knox Box Outdoor Burning Battery Safety From the first warning signs of smoke or hissing noises, you may have less than one minute to escape a lithium-ion battery fire. What is a lithium-ion battery? Lithium-ion is the most popular rechargeable battery chemistry used today. It consists of single or multiple lithium-ion cells along with a protective circuit board. Where can I find lithium-ion battery-powered devices? Lithium-ion battery-powered devices can be found in the home and workplace in many common products such as — cell phones, laptops, electric power tools, wheelchairs, lawn mowers, e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric vehicles. What are the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries? Despite their many advantages, lithium-ion batteries have the potential to overheat, catch fire, and cause explosions. This most commonly occurs when the batteries are damaged, suffer electro-chemical abuse (e.g., from overcharging or completely draining the battery), are in high- or low-temperature environments, or have an internal short-circuit. The heating from the internal short circuit can cause chemical reactions that lead to thermal runaway. What is thermal runaway? Thermal runaway is the primary driver of risks related to lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway is what happens when a fault causes self-heating in a battery cell. The process of self-heating generates incredible heat — more than 1,000° F — which decomposes the cell into smoke and flammable and toxic gases. When the heat from thermal runaway spreads to other cells, it can cause them to experience faults and the rest of the battery to go into thermal runaway. Thermal runaway often immediately ignites a fire, but if the ignition is not immediate, the buildup of flammable gases can cause an explosion that blows out windows and spreads fire throughout a structure (e.g., an apartment, house, or storefront). Choose certified products When purchasing lithium-ion battery-powered devices, be sure to look for products that are listed or safety certified by a nationally recognized testing laboratory to ensure they meet important safety requirements. Countless products sold online do not meet these critical safety standards. Handle lithium-ion battery-powered devices with care Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Only use the charging equipment that comes with the product. Store batteries away from extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, exits, and anything flammable. Do not modify the battery or the charger in any way. Charge larger devices (such as eBikes) outside the home – and never in your exit path. • Do not charge larger devices overnight. Always stay alert for warning signs Check battery-powered devices often for damage or abuse such as swelling or punctures. Listen for unusual hissing or popping sounds. Watch out for excessive heat or a strange odor. If you notice any of these warning signs, stop using the lithium-ion powered devices. White or gray wispy smoke indicates immediate danger of thermal runaway Recycle devices and batteries properly Responsibly dispose of old or damaged batteries and devices by taking them to the nearest battery recycling center. Never discard batteries, chargers, or battery-powered devices in regular trash bins. Get out quickly if there’s a fire Know the warning signs to look and listen for and get out if you see – or hear – one. Follow your home fire escape plan to leave immediately and call 9-1-1 . Educate others on battery safety Now that you know what actions to take, spread the word. Protect your friends and loved ones by sharing how they can Take C.H.A.R.G.E. of Battery Safety Learn more at batteryfiresafety.org

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Click each to view Take me back to Recruiting Home Are there any state or local residency requirements to apply? Will my experience and rank at another fire department carry over to CVFD? RECRUITING Requirements Disqualifiers FAQ What is the shift schedule? Does CVFD have a tattoo policy? What if I have a criminal record? Do you offer practice opportunities for the physical ability test? When should I expect to be contacted regarding my application?

COMMAND STAFF The Command Staff is responsible for providing direction, oversight, and control of both the administrative and operational functions of the Department. These members control the department’s annual budget, as well as develop and implement policies to ensure the continued quality of service through the effective use of resources. Additionally, the Assistant Chiefs manage personnel assigned to the department’s various divisions. Bobby Clark Fire Chief Josh Taylor Assistant Fire Chief Lina Alvarado Assistant Chief Administration Chris Armatta Deputy Chief Special Operations Kirk Henderson Deputy Chief Logistics Johnny Mitchell Deputy Chief Volunteers ABOUT US Overview From the Chief Command Staff Response Area History Christopher Stephens M.D. Medical Director Fire Chief The Fire Chief is the highest-ranking officer of the fire department, directly responsible for the efficient operation of the entire organization. Responsibilities include oversight of all personnel, strategic planning, policy development, and fiscal management. Assistant Chief The Assistant Fire/EMS Chief is responsible for the administration and coordination of the department’s operations including emergency response, and all supporting divisions. Responsibilities include strategic planning, policy development, and oversight of all operations related to fire suppression, prevention, and professional development. They are also responsible for the administration and coordination of the activities, personnel, and resources of the Emergency Medical Services Division of the Department. Responsibilities include strategic planning, policy development, and oversight of all operations related to emergency medical services. Assistant Chief of Administration The Assistant Chief of Administration is responsible for the administrative functions of the department including project management, human resources, information technology, and managing financial activities. Deputy Chief of Logistics The Deputy Chief of Logistics is responsible for maintaining the department’s assets including fleet, facilities, and equipment necessary for day-to-day operations. Deputy Chief of Special Operations The Deputy Chief of Special Operations oversees the planning, staffing, and response aspects of the Special Operations Division. Medical Director The Medical Director is responsible for all medical aspects of pre-hospital patient care. The Medical Director has the authority to approve the level of pre-hospital care which may be rendered by each of the department's members, establish and monitor compliance with field performance guidelines, and establish/monitor training standards.

OVERVIEW Comprised of approximately 300 dedicated men and women, the Community Volunteer Fire Department is an all-hazard, full-service agency that responds to over 12,000 calls annually. We proudly provide fire protection, emergency medical service, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and a variety of other services to the public. As a combination department, our staff consists of both paid and volunteer members who fully staff our stations 24 hours a day. Formed in 1971, the Community Protection ABOUT US Overview From the Chief Command Staff Response Area History Agency acts as the department's board of directors. Additionally, CVFD's services are contracted by Harris/Fort Bend ESD #100 who is ultimately responsible for providing fire and EMS services to the area. You can read more about the last 50 years on our history page. Mission Statement Community Volunteer Fire Department exists to provide excellent customer service to the citizens with a set of specialized skills to protect lives, property, and the environment through preparedness, education, and emergency response. ISO Rating The Community Volunteer Fire Department has earned a Class 1 rating by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), the highest possible rating for fire protection services. The Insurance Services Office (ISO) uses a countrywide classification system to rate a community’s fire protection capabilities. The ISO rating system takes into account a fire department’s response time, training, staffing levels, and the fire dispatch system. The rating system also includes an analysis of the water delivery system of the area controlled my Municipal Utility Districts. More than 50,000 fire departments are graded by ISO, and currently there are only 75 agencies in Texas and 411 in the United States that have earned a Class 1 rating. Our department continues to maintain the best overall coverage to ensure our public safety needs exceed expectations.

LOGISTICS The Logistics Division of the Community Volunteer Fire Department is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of all capital assets such as fire stations, apparatus, equipment, department vehicles, and technology assets. Fleet Maintenance As our call volume continues to increase, it is important that our fleet remains operational in order to best serve the public. The Logistics Division works daily to coordinate the repair and preventative maintenance of our fleet to ensure they are functioning and ready to respond when needed. The Logistics Division also maintains a fleet of reserve apparatus so that a replacement is immediately available should one of our front line apparatus go down. DIVISIONS Operations Special Operations Training Health & Safety Community Outreach Logistics Tactical EMS Honor Guard Apparatus Committee That apparatus committee is a dedicated group that not only designs but remains involved in the manufacturing process of new apparatus. The committee evaluates the current and future needs of the department to strategically design apparatus to ensure they are effective in upholding the mission of the department as well as maintain the safety of our personnel. The Apparatus Committee travels to the manufacturing plant for the design process and follows up with a secondary visit for final inspection. Facility Maintenance Between daily fire station life, public courses, and training events, our facilities require constant maintenance to remain operational. The Logistics Division works to ensure this so that our personnel have a safe and functioning work environment. Quartermaster The department’s Quartermaster outfits all department personnel with uniforms and structural firefighter turnout gear. The Quartermaster also maintains records of firefighting gear and ensures compliance with national standards.

OPERATIONS The Operations Division is our department's largest division, responsible for emergency response including both fire suppression and emergency medical services. The Operations Division staffs Firefighters, EMT's, and Paramedics 24 hours a day from strategically located fire stations within our response area. The Operations Division is commanded each shift by a Battalion Chief, who oversees and is responsible for emergency response. The Battalion Chief also ensures that adequate staffing is maintained and serves as the incident commander during large incidents. Additionally, an EMS Supervisor provides clinical supervision to our Medic units each shift. DIVISIONS Operations Special Operations Training Health & Safety Community Outreach Logistics Tactical EMS Honor Guard Emergency Medical Services The evolution of medicine and medical treatments as well as the rising need for emergency medical services, places high demands on the fire department. Our EMS staff continually review the needs of our community, and take a proactive approach to the care and treatment of the sick and injured. This proactive approach propels the Community Volunteer Fire Department to serve the community and their medical needs today and tomorrow. Our fundamental goal of EMS is to deliver the highest quality medical care with compassion to all in need to pre-hospital emergency care. The department accomplishes this goal with ongoing training and highly motivated personnel who are certified, and licensed as Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. We are continually working to improve our level of service to the community through the use of the most progressive, innovative, and cutting edge equipment, training, and treatment protocols available in today's medical environment. Examples of this equipment include on-board ultrasounds, ventilators, and whole blood.

STATION 92 Fire Station 92 is historically CVFD's oldest station. Beginning as the Alief Volunteer Fire Department, this became the "A Station" after merger with CVFD. When CVFD's Boone Rd. station was annexed into the City of Houston, this station continued to operate until late 2009 when they moved into their new facility. While the building and location has changed, the historical roots will forever remain. Today, Fire Station 92 proudly serves the unincorporated areas of Alief. This diverse area is heavily populated with single and multi-family structures, schools, churches, and retail stores. Station 92 is home to Engine 92, Ladder 92, Booster 92, Medic 92 , and Medic 95. Fire Station 92 13802 Canyon Hill Dr. Houston, TX. 77083 (281) 498-3995 LOCATIONS Administration Station 91 Station 92 Station 93 Station 94 Station 95 Conference Center Training Facility Westcom

STEPHEN R. FOWLER TRAINING FACILITY LOCATIONS Administration Station 91 Station 92 Station 93 Station 94 Station 95 Conference Center Training Facility Westcom The Community Volunteer Fire Department operates a state of the art training facility which includes areas for live fire training, technical rescue, and emergency medical simulation. Staffed with a full-time fire & ems training staff, the Fowler Training Facility gives our firefighters, EMT's, and paramedics an opportunity to learn scenarios that they will likely find when responding to real emergency situations, so that we may better serve the people of our area. Capabilities include: Four story drill tower, Three story burn building, Search & Rescue facilities, SCBA confidence course, Pavilion and shower facilities, Vehicle extrication area, Classroom building, EMS simulation lab, Helipad with IFR landing. Fowler Training Facility 16007 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX. 77083 (281) 498-1310

SPECIAL OPERATIONS Members of CVFD's Special Operations Division are trained and equipped to handle unusual or technically challenging calls that fall outside normal fire or emergency medical responses. Special operations activities include Hazardous Materials Response, Vehicle Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, High Angle Rescue, Trench Rescue, Collapse Rescue, Swift and Flood Water Rescue, and other complex incidents. Special Operations personnel have received specialized training, in addition to normal fire department training. These specialty units do not replace existing units; they make our existing personnel more productive by providing an increased level of service to the citizens of our area. Responses to floods, hazardous chemical accidents, building collapses, and the release of weapons of mass destruction are all addressed by our highly-trained personnel. In addition, we support the operations of other neighboring departments as a regional rescue asset. DIVISIONS Operations Special Operations Training Health & Safety Community Outreach Logistics Tactical EMS Honor Guard