West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department Chief Richard Pease is a bit concerned. Two of the department’s brush trucks are out of commission and brush fire season is underway. There is hope, however.
Pat’s Place is hosting a fundraiser for the department Saturday from noon until 2 a.m.
All of the money raised will go straight back to the department for new equipment, fuel and truck repairs, Pease said.
The department has been operating without its one-ton brush truck and five-ton, six-wheel heavy brush truck for quite awhile, Pease said. The one-ton’s automatic transmission and transfer case “blew up” and fixing it will cost about $12,000.
The other brush truck’s entire wiring harness shorted out on July 4, 2020, when the department responded to 75 calls on that day alone, Pease said.
The department has three other brush trucks and two fire engines in service, but they really need the two inoperable trucks fixed, he said.
“So far we’ve been blessed because we haven’t had anything like they’re having further east,” Pease said. “But, if we don’t get a substantial amount of rain, I expect to have an even higher call volume than we did two years ago.”
People will begin selling fireworks within the next couple of weeks in anticipation of Independence Day celebrations, but dry lightning strikes are also a worry as are people who continue to burn trash unsafely.
A lot of people aren’t aware there’s a burn ban right now or just don’t care, Pease said. People are only allowed to burn in barrels with grates and under optimal conditions right now. Burning in 45 mph winds is not advised.
“A little common sense goes a long way,” Pease said.
The 25-member department never knows what the day will bring, he said. Some days they respond to six or seven fire or rescue calls a day and other days they don’t get any calls at all.
In addition to fixing the two out-of-commission brush trucks, Pease said the department would like to finish building another brush truck. The bed and truck was purchased prior to his time as chief and is being put together. It also needs a pump, he said.
While fixing their brush trucks will be a priority, Pease said he’d also like to replace the department’s “old and outdated” thermal imaging camera, which only works occassionally.
In addition, he’d like to purchase additional personal protection equipment, which run about $3,500 per firefighter. The department currently has no PPE to distribute to new volunteers, he said.
Pease said he wanted to assure citizens the department has implemented strict rules regarding finances and has hired a third-party accountant to reconcile its books and handle taxes. Department employees don’t conduct cash transactions and are strict about collecting and keeping receipts. All checks require two signatures and the department’s books are available at any time to the Ector County Commissioners and judge, he said.
“The department has two black eyes that we’re still fighting on a daily basis, but they’re getting lighter,” Pease said.
In August 2018, former Fire Chief Jimmy Ellis and his wife, Sherry, were charged with theft over $150,000. Ellis pleaded guilty in return for 10 years’ probation, $60,000 in restitution, 600 hours of community service and having the charge dropped against his wife.
Then, in March 2019, former Fire Chief Sean Dixon was charged with stealing more than $150,000 and fabricating evidence. His case is still pending.
Treasurer Stacie DeMoss Proctor, who was arrested at the same time as Dixon, pleaded guilty to fabricating evidence and was placed on two years’ deferred adjudication in July 2019. Her case was dismissed and she was discharged from community supervision in January 2021.
Pease said he hopes everyone comes out to enjoy some brisket and live music from the Chrome Molly. The band takes the stage at 8 p.m.
If you go
What: West Odessa Volunteer Fire Department fundraiser.
When: Noon to 2 a.m., Saturday, June 4.
Where: Pat’s Place, 7405 Andrews Highway.
What else: Food, live music, auctions, 50/50 giveaway, dunk booth.
