Debby Schamber
The Orange Leader, Texas

Feb. 27 -- As the raging flood waters filled the streets of local cities, it was the first responders including members of local volunteer fire departments who worked to save people from their water-filled houses.

The West Orange Volunteer Fire Department has about 19 firefighters on their roster, with about 10 who more actively respond to calls. The WOVFD responds to an average of seven fire calls per month. However, following the hurricane, the calls were much different.

Fire Chief Randy Veitch along with four firefighters and members of the West Orange Police Department worked together to rescue people from their houses in the days after Hurricane Ike blew into town.

Veitch's wife and two children evacuated to New Orleans while he stayed here to fulfill his duties. During the brunt of the hurricane, Veitch stayed at the command center located at Mauriceville Middle School. He and his crew headed out about 7:30 a.m. to see where they could help and assess damages.

As they drove closer to West Orange workers discovered the flood waters were still rising, Veitch said.

They were informed by Police Chief Mike Stelly of 911 calls that had come in of people stranded at their residences and unable to escape. Veitch worked to find people with boats and to begin rescue operations.

About 5 p.m. they had completed their list and headed back to the command center. The following day they had a new list of people needing rescued.

"The next day was worse," Veitch said. "On the first day we could get in out, but as the water started receding, it was much harder to get around."

Veitch said at times rescue workers used their boats, but also had to resort to dump trucks to reach the stranded people.

"We did a lot more rescues the first day, but the second day was more challenging," he added.

Four of the WOVFD firefighters had damages to their residence. One firefighter received significant damage to his house but continued to help others. After power was restored, he left the area permanently.

Members of the Bridge City Volunteer Fire Department were also hit hard by Ike. There are 48 firefighters on the roster with about 20 who routinely respond to about 100 calls monthly.

Fire Chief Dickie Uzzle lost his residence of 24 years. Although now he lives with his wife in a FEMA trailer while his house is rebuilt, for a while he lived in a travel trailer in an adjacent parking lot near the fire station.

The BCVFD with the help of 27 other agencies across the nation conducted about 523 rescues in the days after the storm.

"We rescued people from roof tops and who were in their attics," Uzzle said.

About 95 percent of the firefighters own houses were damaged by Hurricane Ike, but continued to assist, he said.

"It was a sacrifice for them and they gave us all they could," Uzzle said. "We never slacked off on anyone."

Other local agencies were called to assist the areas hardest hit by the storm. Ready for action, members of Pinehurst Volunteer Fire Department answered the call of duty. There are about 14 firefighters on the roster with two pending applications. Over a two month period, the PVFD, answers about 80 calls which include fire, medical and assists other agencies. During the past two years, the number of volunteers has increased, according to Fire Chief Grady Gray.

Emergency Services District No. 3 has a day crew of three firefighters. They have about 30 people on the roster, with about 15 actively participating.

According to Capt. Matt Manshack, the day crew helps offset the need for volunteers who may be working their own day job. ESD No. 3 responds to about 30 calls per month.

Each VFD conducts their own training and are actively seeking new recruits. Before responding to fires and other emergencies, members must first obtain the state introductory level training.

"Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer firefighter should contact their local VFD," Gray said.

The Orange Leader (Texas)
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News