City Council Fighting Fires!

Another short movie from LFD - this time about the city council retreat last weekend, featuring a live burn as part of a team building exercise. Check it out! Some of you residents that are currently signed up for "Firefighter for a Day" are going to enjoy a similar experience next weekend! If you didn't make it on the Firefighter for a Day list, you'll have to check out the next one because it's FULL!! Want to see more LFD movies? Check out our You Tube Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6oIDNUYEwo

Firefighter Friday - Jeff Foster!

It's Firefighter Friday! Good Morning Jeff Foster! Jeff is on our Public Education team and happens to be at Jim Plain Elementary right now doing a fire safety presentation. In this picture from Jim Plain today, Jeff is the one on the left! Have a great day at school today Jeff!

1. * What’s your position? Jeff Foster is a DPO (Driver/Pump Operator) with LFD and has been with us 8 years.

2. *What made you want to be a firefighter?

Big Red Trucks

3. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?

Everything

4. What are your hobbies?

Motorcross

5. If you were on an island and could only bring 3 things, what would you bring?

Boat, Fishing pole, Drinks

6. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Food

7. Pepsi or Coke?

Coke

Training on the Road!

This week Battalion Chiefs and Assistant Chiefs are at the UL Laboratories. In this picture they are witnessing a test burn for Positive Pressure Attack firefighting techniques. Staff is tying what they know about firefighting with science. They'll be bringing back this knowledge and experience to our firefighters, continuing our mission of high quality training, so that we can better protect our firefighters and citizens during fires.

LHS Chili Cook-Off!

Some of Leander High School's clubs and organizations had a chili-cook-off and guess who needed to be a judge? The Fire Chief of course! Chief Bill Gardner, along with Police Chief Greg Minton and LISD Superintendent Bret Champion had the great honor of judging yummy chili at this event. Who won? FFA! Well done!

State of the City Address

The Chamber Lunch today featured our "State of the City Address" by our Mayor, Chris Fielder. The reoccurring theme? Amazing growth in Leander! As this city grows and changes, Leander Fire Department will be right there with it!

Public Education at Bagdad Elementary

Our Firefighters were at Bagdad Elementary today! Thank you for having us. One of the things the Firefighters like to do is break up into smaller groups during PE so that they can more easily answer questions and talk to the kids. We hope the kids enjoy that smaller group setting too. Hmmm What school will LFD be at next!?

LFD with the Texas Stars

Who saw LFD Associates and Volunteer Firefighters at the Texas Stars hockey game tonight? Thanks for buying tickets and pucks for the Chuck-a-Puck game! Enjoy the pictures of our night out with the Stars!

TGIFF - Lt. Ty Wade!

TGIFF!  Let's brighten your day with our Firefighter of the Week - Lt. Ty Wade.  Ty began as a volunteer in 2005 and was hired by LFD in 2006.

1. *What made you want to be a firefighter?

I believe I was called to serve.  What better job is there to serve others?

2. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?

Being able to serve my hometown.

3. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?

I have a Bachelor's of Science from Howard Payne University and I've lived in Leander since Kindergarten.

4. Who is your role model and why?

Dad.  He is honest, hardworking and practices what he preaches.

5. Pepsi or Coke?

Dr. Pepper

The Amazing Associates!

Standing here with our Fire Marshal is a team at LFD we are so proud of- our Associates! This volunteer group works hard at outreach events, including the very successful LFD Fall Fun Festival. They also perform rehab for our firefighters during emergencies and training. Last night they received the coveted LFD hat and a certificate. Thanks for all you do ladies. We are grateful you are part of LFD. This volunteer group takes applications through the year and as this community grows we know we need more amazing volunteers. Go to our website for more info.

The Dalmation Story

So back in 2011 someone took this cute Dalmatian photo on one of our trucks. Do we have a Firehouse dog? No, we don't. But, do you know why Dalmations are associated with the fire service? They are quick and agile and good at catching rats. However, they aren't good hunting dogs, so aristocrats kept Dalmations in the stable where over time the breed formed a bond with horses. When horses were brought into the fire service to pull equipment, Dalmations soon came as well to be companions, station guards, and they would dart out in advance to warn people of the horse drawn wagons that were about to pull out of the station. And that is the connection the fire service has to the beautiful Dalmation.

Firefighter of the Week = John Witt

Happy TGIFF!  (That's Firefighter Friday if you are just tuning in!)  Firefighter John Witt is our Firefighter of the week.  John spent 3 years as a volunteer with us and has been paid for 4 years.

1. *What made you want to be a firefighter?

The job itself and service to the community.

4. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?

The people I work with and the community I serve.

5. What are your hobbies?

Competition shooting, hunting and fishing

6. What would I find in your refrigerator right now?

Not much

7. Pepsi or Coke?

Sweet Tea

Thanks John, Have a great Day!

It's Firefighter Friday! Good Morning Ryan Hipskind

Hope you are having a warm Firefighter Friday!  Today we have Ryan Hipskind (Yes, this is another Ryan we have!) Ryan was a Volunteer Firefighter with us for about 2 years, then became paid almost 2 years ago.

1.    *What made you want to be a firefighter?
I wanted to serve the community in a career that was enjoyable, challenging, and exciting.

2.    *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
The crew that I work with is great and I always look forward to the next shift.

3.    What’s the funniest thing that has happened at your job?
Usually something funny happens every shift!

4.    What’s your favorite food?
My Mom’s homemade enchilada casserole.

5.    What are your hobbies?
I enjoy the different arts whether it’s drawing and painting or playing guitar, as well as hunting, shooting and anything outdoors.

6. If you could sing one song on American Idol, what would it be?
Any Texas country songs.

7. Who is your role model and why?
Growing up my role models included both of my grandfathers who were decorated WWII veterans that passed before I was born, as a kid I would go through their old pictures and read the journals that they kept. As well as my dad who served in Vietnam.

8. Pepsi or Coke?
Dr. Pepper

Legacy at Crystal Falls Visit

The new Legacy at Crystal Falls Assisted Living and Memory Care center hosted a First Responder breakfast and LFD was able to take tours and get familiar with their new facility. Thank you for your hospitality!

Wildland Fire Chain Saw Class

This week our Wildland Team is taking a Wildland Fire Chain Saw course being taught by Texas A&M Forestry Service Instructors on the tactical application of chain saws in brushing, limbing, bucking, and falling for fireline construction and mop up operations. Yes, they are training outdoors while we hope you are safe and warm in your home or office! If you are outside too, be careful and bundle up!

Firefighter Friday - Battalion Chief Dave Lincoln

It's Firefighter Friday! So, Good Morning Dave Lincoln, the Battalion Chief for C-Shift! Every time we do these posts we learn something fun about our own staff. We hope you like Firefighter Friday too - Like it if you do! So here's Chief Lincoln:

1. *How long have you been with LFD and in what capacity?
Almost 11 years. 2 as a volunteer and almost 9 as paid staff
2. *What made you want to be a firefighter?
Shiny red fire trucks!
3. *What’s the best thing about being a firefighter at LFD?
The Department’s operating culture. LFD is the best customer service oriented organization I’ve ever been a part of.
4. What’s your favorite food?
Meat and anything sweet
5. What are your hobbies?
Golf and travel
6. What’s something about you citizens might find unusual or interesting?
I am a guest lecturer and instructor for the German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance. I teach annually at their Academy for Crisis Management and Civil Defense.
7. If you could recommend one place for people to go on vacation where would it be and why?
Europe. Much to see, easy to get around, not too expensive, and in general the people are friendly and fun to be around.
8. If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role?
Will Farrell
9. Where would you go in a Time Machine?
To see the dinosaurs
10. Pepsi or Coke?
Mountain Dew of course!