Charlie Johnson President
Tommy Archer Vice President	Joe Reynolds	Allen Westmoreland
Kevin Machemehl	Waylon Gossett	Mike Mitchum

Fiscal Year Adopted Budget

View the fiscal year 2025-26 adopted budget for the Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District.

View the fiscal year 2024-25 adopted budget for the Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District.

View the fiscal year 2023-24 adopted budget for the Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District.

Meeting Highlights

January 28, 2026, Highlights:

Due to the winter storm that brought freezing temperatures and icy conditions, the January 26, 2026, meeting was rescheduled to January 28, 2026.

Quarterly financial report was presented and accepted by the board.  Motion was made to also accept the quarterly report regarding budgeted expenditures and projects.  The proposed budget for FY2025-2026 was approved and will be submitted to City Council for approval. A Special Fire District Meeting has been called for March 9, 2026, at 5:45 p.m. The next meeting is set for April 20, 2026, at 5:45 p.m.

October 20, 2025, Highlights:

The board approved the election of officers for 2025-2026 term with no changes to current roster:  Charlie Johnson, President, Tommy Archer, Vice President, Nicole Ganey, Board Treasurer and Angela Smith, Board Secretary.  Quarterly financial report was presented and accepted by the board. Motion was made to also accept the quarterly report regarding budgeted expenditures and projects. A motion was approved to the annual review and an order to adopt the investment Policy for the Deer Park Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Services District. Lastly, a motion was approved to recommend to City Council to amend the 2024-2025 for repairs to tower 3, engine 31, and repairs to medic 1. 

The next scheduled quarterly meeting is moved to January 26, 2026, due to the City's observation of Martin Luther King Day on January 19, 2026, and the office is closed.

July 7, 2025, Highlights:

Quarterly financial report was presented and accepted by the board.  Motion was made to also accept the quarterly report regarding budgeted expenditures and projects.  The proposed budget for FY2025-2026 was approved and will be submitted to City Council for approval.  There will be a public hearing on the budget scheduled for August 5, 2025, at 7:30 pm with City Council.  The next meeting is set for October 20, 2025. 

June 9, 2025, Highlights:

Public hearing on the proposed FY2025-2026 was conducted as well as welcoming our new member, Mike Mitchum to the board.  He is replacing Mr. Blackwell.

The board recognized the service and dedication for departing member Flynt Blackwell. (photo insert). 

At the next meeting, the board will have on the agenda action to approve the proposed budget and submit to City Council.  

May 19, 2025, Highlights:

The proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 was presented and the public hearing for budget was called for June 9, 2025, at 5:45 pm.  

SPECIAL ELECTION FOR FCPEMSD - MAY 3, 2025

Unofficial Election Results from May 3, 2025, Election are:

EARLY VOTING - FOR:  258  - AGAINST:  26
ELECTION DAY - FOR:  116  - AGAINST:  14
TOTAL:   FOR:  374 - AGAINST:  40

The FCPEMS District and the 1/4 cent sales tax have been renewed for twenty years. 

Citizens of Deer Park will consider two ballot measures during the May 2025 election related to special tax districts supporting public safety. The Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD), supporting the Deer Park Police Department, and the Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District (FCPEMSD) – which supports the Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department, the Fire Marshal’s Office and EMS – will be eligible for renewal periods of twenty years.

According to City Manager James Stokes, the renewal of the districts would continue the two existing one quarter of one-percent sales and use tax charges in effect in Deer Park and would not result in any new taxes. "Fourteen years ago, our citizens approved the creation of two special purpose districts – CCPD and FCPEMSD - both of which are governed by citizen boards who work with appropriate staff and directors to shape and follow overarching goals,” Stokes said.

Click here for a brochure on the Special Purpose District Renewals.

Click here for a copy of the Sample Ballot. 

Ballot Language - May 3, 2025

CCPD:  Vote for or against

Whether the City of Deer Park Crime Control and Prevention District should be continued for 20 years and the City of Deer Park Crime Control and Prevention District Sales Tax should be continued for 20 years.         

FCPEMSD:  Vote for or against

Whether the City of Deer Park Fire Control Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District should be continued for 20 years and the City of Deer Park Fire Control Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District sales tax should be continued for 20 years. 

April 21, 2025, Highlights: 

The board approved the minutes as presented, quarterly financial report for FY 2024-2025 Q2 ending March 31, 2025, quarterly report on budgeted expenditures and projects, as well as approving a recommendation to City Council to approve an ordinance amending FY 2024-2025 budget for the repayment of sales taxes to the State Comptroller's office.  The board also approved a recommendation to City Council for the purchase of 16 sets of firefighting bunker gear from Metro Fire on Buy Board contract #698-23 for $57,820.  An update on the 2025 Election for Crime & Fire renewals was provided and the board approved three dates for possible canvassing of the election results. 

January 27, 2025, Highlights:

The board recognized the service to the district by Board Member Scott Combs (on the right in the photo).  He was presented a plaque and thanks for his service to the board.  Mr. Combs had been a board member since 2018.  

New member, Waylon Gossett, was presented to the board as replacement for Mr. Combs' position.  

The district approved the minutes as presented.  They accepted the quarterly report for budgeted expenditures and projects and the quarterly financial report for FY 2024-2025 1st Qtr. ending December 31, 2024, as presented.  They approved the recommendation to City Council to amend the FY 23-24 Budget to reimburse the city for annual cost of ALS 360 agreement as well as approving recommendations for amending FY 24-25 budget for election costs.  The district discussed the timeline process for the upcoming renewal election and approved a special called meeting to be held on Feb 3, 2025, at 5:45 pm to order the election for the renewal on May 3, 2025. The next quarterly meeting is scheduled for April 21, 2025, at 5:15 pm.

October 21, 2024, Highlights:

The board approved the election of officers for 2024-2025 term with no changes to current roster:  Charlie Johnson, President, Tommy Archer, Vice President, Nicole Ganey, Board Treasurer and Angela Smith, Board Secretary.  Quarterly financial report was presented and accepted by the board.  Motion was made to also accept the quarterly report regarding budgeted expenditures and projects. A motion was approved to recommend to City Council to amend the 23-24 Budget for Sales & Tax Compliance Services.  The annual amendment between City of Deer Park and Fire District was approved.  

The district discussed the option to hold an election in May 2025 for the renewal of the Fire district which is set to expire in May 2026.  A special called joint meeting with the Fire & Crime districts was approved and set for December 10, 2024, to discuss further the districts renewal. The next scheduled quarterly meeting is moved to January 27, 2025, due to the City's observation of Martin Luther King Day on January 20, 2025  and the office is closed.

July 9, 2024, Highlights:

The board welcomed new member Kevin Machemehl.  The recognition of service for outgoing Marshall Shepherd was tabled to the next meeting.  Quarterly financial report was presented and accepted by the board.  Motion was made to also accept the quarterly report regarding budgeted expenditures and projects.  The proposed budget for FY2024-2025 was approved and will be submitted to City Council for approval.  There will be a public hearing on the budget scheduled for August 6, 2024, at 7:30 pm with City Council.  The next meeting is set for October 21, 2024.  The meeting was held on Tuesday, July 9th due to Hurricane Beyl. 

June 10, 2024 Highlights:

The board held a public hearing on the proposed 2024-2025 budget.  At the next meeting, the board will have on the agenda action to approve the proposed budget and submit to City Council.  

May 2024 Highlights:

- The proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025 was presented and the public hearing for budget was called for June 10, 2024 at 5:45 pm.  It was also mentioned that Marshall Shepherd will be stepping down as board member due to relocation. 

Councilmember League's appointee was ratified by City Council at a recent council meeting.  Kevin Machemehl was appointed to replace Marshall Shepherd on the board.  Mr. Machemehl will be sworn in at the next Fire board meeting. 

January 2024 Highlights:

Fire Control and Emergency Services District Meeting Highlights:
- The Quarterly Financial Report for the FY 2023-24 First Quarter ended December 31, 2023 was reviewed.
- A quarterly plan for expenditures for the period of January 1, 2024 through March 31, 2024 was considered and acted upon.
- A recommendation to City Council to amend the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget for the Fire Control Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District for Sales and Use Tax Compliance Services was discussed.
- A recommendation to City Council to amend the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget for the Fire Control Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District to reimburse the City for the annual cost of the ALS 360 agreement with Stryker for stretchers, power loads, and Lucas devices was reviewed.
- The next regular FCPEMSD Board Meeting was announced for April 15, 2024.

October 2023 Highlights: 

City Secretary Angela Smith is re-appointed as Board Secretary and Finance Director Nicole Ganey is re-appointed as Board Treasurer at the October 16, 2023, meeting.

Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District

During the May 7, 2016 General and Special Elections, the Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District was renewed by the voters of Deer Park for 10 years.

At that time, a new set of goals focused on personnel, fleet and facilities/equipment were outlined and are detailed below.

History

On February 14, 2011, the Deer Park City Council passed a Resolution approving the creation of the City of Deer Park Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District. Soon thereafter, the city council appointed seven members to serve on the required FCPEMSD Temporary Board.

On May 14, 2011, the voters of the City of Deer Park voted and approved the City of Deer Park Texas Fire Control, Prevention and Emergency Medical Services District, creating the imposition of a sales and use tax increase of one-quarter of one%.

A permanent board was appointed by City Council and charged with the development of the FCPEMSD Plan and budget in cooperation with the Deer Park City Council.

The board established an initial list of items for purchase, based on the Emergency Services Department’s requests for upgrades, replacements, or improvements that were previously postponed due to budgetary constraints. After addressing those goals, the department achieved nearly two dozen additional goals.

Ongoing/New Projects - 2016

According to Emergency Services Director Robert Hemminger, the efforts of the FCPEMSD are focused on fleet/equipment, facilities and personnel.

During the next budget cycle for the FCPEMSD, the Fire Department and EMS will be focused on the following items:

Personnel:

The addition of two full-time paramedics to provide one additional ambulance with 24/7 coverage

“This year, we were able to bring on two full-time paramedics with district funding, along with two additional paramedics being funded through the City budget,” EMS Supervisor Andrew Smith said. “With these four new staff members, we have the ability to staff an additional ambulance unit 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This brings the total number of ambulances we can staff 24/7 from one to two.”

Smith said the additional paramedics will be a great benefit to the citizens of Deer Park.

“With a second ambulance running 24/7, we’ll be in much better shape when we have calls come in back to back,” he said. “As well, with the volunteer staffing we have, there’s a greater chance we will not have to call on mutual aid from areas like La Porte and Baytown.”

Fleet/Equipment:

Replacement of a 20-year-old, 65-foot ladder truck with a 105-foot ladder truck 

“During October 2016, the FCPEMSD Board approved replacement of our 20 year old, 65 foot ladder truck with a new 105 foot ladder truck,” Fire Chief Don Davis said. “This truck will be similar to our existing truck in that it will be built on a single axle chassis, allowing it to be maneuvered on many of the narrower streets in the city. The advantage though is that with the extended reach of the ladder, 65 foot to 105 foot, it will be much more capable of fighting fires on homes that are further off the street as in some newer subdivisions. The longer ladder will also improve our elevated rescue capabilities. Delivery of this new truck is expected in November 2017.

“We will be keeping the older ladder truck as a reserve ladder/pumper in order to have a fill in truck should one of our other trucks need to go out of service for maintenance.”

Schematics of the new fire truck to be added when available.

 Re-chassis and refurbish of one ambulance unit

Three of the four DPVFD ambulance units received improvements this year due to FCPEMSD funding. Medic 2 received a new chassis, and its patient compartment was refurbished with new flooring, upgraded lighting and a new paint scheme with reflective striping. Medic 3 and 4 (pictured) also received the new striping.

According to Cheri Perches, Deputy Chief of EMS, the department purchases and maintains ambulance units with the intention to save money and incorporate new technology/equipment as required.

“When we purchase ambulances, we do so with the intent of refurbishing the patients’ compartment and remounting it to a new chassis or engine so it can be used for multiple years,” Perches said. “This approach not only saves taxpayer money, but also puts a process in place to incorporate any changes that have occurred over the years since the compartment was last refurbished.”

 Purchase of an interaction PR remote control vehicle for the FMO to use for public interaction

“Utilizing Fire District funding, we will now be using a Sparky the Fire Dog ® Robot in our outreach programs to local youth,” Fire Marshal Buddy Rice said. “The robot will be used at most fire prevention events, from parades and festivals to more formal programs such as school and day care classes.

“Any tool that can be used to get kids’ attention and to teach fire safety is a good thing, and this robot definitely makes an impression.”

 Upgrades to all EMS stretchers to be modified for handling bariatric patients, and upgrades to all EMS stair chairs to improve patient movement in tight quarters

“These equipment upgrades will provide us with safer and more comfortable stretchers and chairs for our patients,” EMS Supervisor Andrew Smith said. “The side rails on the new stretchers swing out as opposed to moving up and down, so they will easily adjust to the size of each patient. They’re made by Stryker EMS, a company that’s becoming the industry standard in our field.

“The stair chairs, which are used to get people out of tight spaces, will also be easier to use and safer because they will include foot supports.”

Facilities:

 Completion of remodel project at Station 1 to modernize the station 

“The funds approved for the remodel of Fire Station 1 have truly served to bring life back into the station,” Deputy Chief Clyde Coxie said. “As the station is utilized for many Fire Department meetings, auxiliary meetings and gatherings for various City departments including the Deer Park Police Department, we wanted it to look as nice as possible.

“The remodel is being conducted in two phases - the first will improve our entrance hallway, meeting room, kitchen and bathroom hallway, and the second will update our radio room, breathing air room, sitting area and women’s restroom.”

 Replacement of the emergency generator at Station 2

“The new FCPEMSD budget will allow us to replace the backup generator at Station 2,” Fire Chief Don Davis said. “The existing generator is very old and not functioning as it should. The new generator will power the entire building during power failures. This is especially important during extended foul weather operations where power may be lost for multiple days. This allows our emergency response personnel to stay at the stations while providing response capability to the citizens of Deer Park.”

 Repairs of the fire training burn building

“The fire training "burn" building is a building that is designed to allow us to burn hay and other material inside without damaging the structure of the building,” Fire Chief Don Davis said. “This allows our firefighters to train in conditions similar to those that they’d expect to be exposed to in real structure fire situations.
“Fireproof panels are installed throughout the building. About once every five years or so we have a specialty engineering company inspect the building to assure that it’s still in safe condition. That inspection is very thorough and is based on the amount of use that the building gets throughout the year. This year’s inspection report indicated that the building is still in very good condition but there are some fireproof panels that need to be replaced as well as some hardware that holds the panels on the building. A purchase order has been issued and that work should begin by early 2017.”

Initial Projects - Achieved 2011 - 2016

DP Volunteer Fire Department

• Replaced an engine with a rescue pumper
• Equipment including extrication (JAWS) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) devices
• Facility upgrades to Fire Stations 1, 2 and 3
• Replacement of duty officer vehicle
• Purchased five thermal imaging cameras
• Added vehicle stabilization rescue systems
• Upgraded emergency lighting on four trucks
• Re-modeled training room at Station 1
• Replaced worn protective gear
• Funded repairs for Station 2 generator

Fire Marshal’s Office

• Hired Deputy Fire Marshal Kevin Rodgers
• Upgraded radio system
• Funded replacement equipment and tools
• Purchased thermal imaging camera
• Added mobile data terminals to fire marshal vehicles
• Replaced fire marshal inspector vehicle
• Funded Fire House Inspection program purchase and subscription

Emergency Medical Services

• Added four full-time Paramedic positions
• Replaced ambulance unit
• Replaced all EMS protective gear
• Purchased two Lucas chest compression devices
• Replaced all six defibrillators with improved units to improve patient care
• Upgraded patient care report system
• Purchased several automated external defibrillator units for Fire/EMS
• Improved preventative maintenance programs on stretchers

Concluding statement:

As the Fire Chief of this department, I want to express the importance of the FCPEMS District and how much of an impact it has made not only on the department but also the citizens we serve. Without this funding, we could not maintain the equipment at the level we currently have. Our Emergency Medical Services could not provide the quality of service without the additional personnel. The Fire Marshal’s Office would not be capable of ensuring inspections were completed annually and the level of community education would not be available. The fire department would have to find alternate means to fund replacement firefighting gear and equipment. With the purchases made during the last five years, we have been able to work towards an improved ISO rating for the city.

This is key to how insurance rates are measures for home owners. We are working towards moving from a rating of 4 to a rating of 2 which will reduce the overall cost of insurance for all home owners and businesses within the next two years.

Funding provided by the district allows the departments to improve services without placing a complete tax burden on the citizens of Deer Park. Funds currently collected allow the department to operate effectively without requiring additional funding from the general City budget.

With this benefit, not only does the fire department benefit, all other City departments benefit as well. Our future goals with district funding are to continue to fund the replacement of ambulances and fire apparatus, building improvements and additions, along with continued growth of EMS staff who provide emergency medical services to the citizens of Deer Park.

Plans to expand Fire Station 3 are also part of future goals using FCPEMSD funds. Improvements at the fire training facility to provide a greater quality of training to all personnel will be a key target as well.

Having previously served as Fire Chief for the City of Deer Park, I know how important it is to have this funding available without having to raise the tax rate or impact other departments within the City. So I’d like to thank the citizens of Deer Park for allowing this funding to continue for the next 10 years. Without your continued support many of these projects would not have been possible.

Don H. Davis
Fire Chief
Deer Park Volunteer Fire Department
281-224-2836