By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
Travis County Emergency Services District No. 14 completed its new $4.9 million Volente Fire Department station and hosted a dedication ceremony in January.
“This new station represents our commitment to protecting Volente today and into the future,” said Rob Zimmerman, VFD fire chief who has been with the department since 2009.
The new Volente Fire Station 1401 is located at 15400 FM 2769 in the middle of Volente, which has a population of 2,565 residents. The VFD serves the RM 620 and RM 2222/Bullick Hollow and 2769 and Lime Creek areas and its service area is surrounded by 10 square miles of Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.
“It gives our firefighters the space, tools, and capabilities needed to respond more effectively and to serve this community with professionalism and pride,” Zimmerman said.
A dedication ceremony on January 17 included remarks from local leaders followed by the official uncoupling of the hose, which is similar to a ribbon cutting. (photo above)
Fire Station 1401 was a long time coming. The Volente Fire Department had been in the same building since 1961. That building remains next door as the community center and fire chief’s office.
“This new station is more than a building, it’s a long-term investment in the safety of our community and the firefighters who serve it,” said Lonnie Moore, ESD 14 president. “While we honor the legacy of the original station, this modern facility ensures our firefighters have the resources they need to continue delivering high-quality service to our residents.”
Almost 65 years ago, the VFD began as an all-volunteer fire department. Their first engine was a 1950 Ford truck purchased from the Texas Highway Department. According to Roger Shull, former fire chief, volunteers installed a water tank, a pump, a hose reel and named the engine “Ole Red,” which sits on the front lawn of the old station.
As the community grew, so did the need for full-time firefighters with a dedicated space. Since June of 2011, VFD has had three professional firefighters on duty 24-hours a day. In December 2024, the VFD was able to break ground on its new station.
The 1-story, 9500-square-foot fire station took 15 months to complete. It has a Hardi-Plank exterior, metal roof, and four vehicle bays. The station has five bedrooms, a decontamination room, a lounge, and kitchen and dining area. It is a vast improvement from sharing one shower and two bathrooms among the firefighters.
At the dedication, members of the community toured the new station, met firefighters, and celebrated with cake.
