Buddy always had the best seat in the house!
“Buddy,” the first Accelerant Detection Canine used for arson investigations by the Pearland Fire Marshal’s Office, passed away on Tuesday (Mar. 15).
Buddy’s human, Deputy Fire Marshal Greg Bozdech, and Buddy were together for four years.
Buddy passed from rapid onset cancer. The City of Pearland and the Blue Bell Creamery mourns his loss.
The City of Pearland held the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Fire Station #3, located at 3207 Yost Rd, on Saturday (Jan. 9). City leaders, Fire and Police Department employees and members of the community came out to enjoy the food, tour the facility and get a close-up look at the equipment.
The single-story station is designed to support up to 10 full-time staff members, with two pumper trucks, one ladder truck, one rescue truck and two ambulances. Employees at this station will provide fire and rescue response, emergency medical response and fire inspections.
Before the ribbon cutting, Mayor Reid and Chief Riley recognized Dr. Dien Bui for serving as Medical Director for the department for the last 17 years. Bui is also Medical Director for First Choice Emergency Room – Silverlake.
“He’s still in Pearland,” said Mayor Reid. “And like good memories, it’s important we keep good people in the community.”
“He’s been here through all the transitions,” said Assistant Chief Daniel Baum. “Originally, the old Pearland EMS was all volunteers and part-time employees. In 2005, it turned into a department with a mixture of full-time and part-time employees and then it transitioned to the Fire Department. He’s been here the whole time, providing medical guidance.”
City Manager Clay Pearson congratulated Bui as well. “I’m proud to be here, not only for the dedication of this building, but for the recognition and promotions of some of the people that serve in this facility in the important role of public service,” he said.
Driver/Operator Jaime Mendieta was promoted to the position of Lieutenant. Mendieta joined the Department in March 2011 and was promoted to Driver/Operator in May 2013. He was pinned by his wife and son.
Firefighters David Tilbury and Josiah Csiki were promoted to Driver/Operators. Tillbury joined the Department in June 2014. Csiki joined in March 2015. Both were pinned by their wives.
City Secretary Young Lorfing swore the employees in to their new position.
After the promotions, City leaders “uncoupled the hose,” declaring the Station open for business. The building also got a “wetdown” from two pumper trucks, which is a tradition when opening a new fire station.
For more information, visit http://pearlandtx.gov/departments/fire.
Through the “We’re Out to Alarm Texas” program, the Pearland Fire Department provides free smoke alarms to residents who can provide documentation of physical or financial need. Smoke alarms are installed on a first-come, first-serve basis to homeowners. If you or someone you know is in need of a smoke alarm and live in Pearland, visit pearlandtx.gov/smokealarm to submit a request to have your smoke alarm tested, inspected, replaced or installed.
Posted in Pearland, Pearland Fire Dept/EMS, Uncategorized
Tagged Pearland, Pearland Connection, Pearland Fire Dept./EMS
Rep. Ed Thompson, representing Governor Greg Abbott, presented Pearland Fire Dept. Lt. Jason Corthell with an official Certificate of Recognition and a flag that had been flown over the state capitol on Monday (Dec. 7) before the City Council meeting.
On March 27, Corthell was injured while battling an apartment fire in Cypress, where he volunteers for the Cypress Creek VFD, when he and other firefighters were trapped in a structural collapse.
Corthell suffered a knee injury and took many months to recover.
Corthell has spent most his adult life serving others. He joined the Cypress Creek Volunteer Fire Dept. in 2004 and soon after went to fire school at Lone Star Community College, where he excelled as a fire cadet.
In 2006, Corthell joined the U.S. Marine Corps, where his station was air crash rescue. He switched to legal services, where he worked in the elite JAG offices.
Corthell received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 2010 and was hired by the City of Pearland in 2011.
Corthell was promoted to Driver/Operator in 2013 and to Fire Dept. Lieutenant this year.
Corthell received a standing ovation from the audience of citizens, emergency responders from all over the area and City leaders.
For more information about the Pearland Fire Dept., visit PearlandTX.gov/Departments/Fire.
Become a Pearland firefighter and join the ranks of the brave men and women who serve the Pearland community. The City offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for paid volunteer applicants pursuing a career in fire. The Pearland Fire Department uses a combination of full-time, part-time and paid volunteers. Pearland is a growing, professional department with many opportunities for advancement. For the paid volunteer, the scheduled test date is Saturday, Nov. 14, but applicants must apply online by Nov. 10.
Volunteer firefighters are responsible for a wide variety of fire services including: emergency medical aid, emergency rescue and all other suppression and prevention activities in protecting life and property. In Pearland, the volunteer firefighters are assigned regular shifts that provide both flexibility and some certainty.
Along with a job-related assessment process, those selected will be subject to a medical exam including drug screen, fingerprinting through the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and a background investigation; and in accordance with Federal law, applicants must be able to provide proof of identity and proof that they may legally work in the United States. It is the policy the City of Pearland to practice fair and equal employment under the law.
All applications for paid volunteer firefighter positions are electronically processed online at pearlandtx.gov/firerecruit. Call 281.997.5854 for more information.
Smith gets a congratulatory handshake from Commissioner Stacy Adams.
City leaders, residents, Pearland Fire Department personnel and first responders from other departments came together Monday (Sept. 28) to the Dedication Ceremony to re-name the Fire and EMS Administration Building located at 2703 Veterans Dr. to the David L. Smith Fire Administration Building.
The Resolution approving the name change was passed by City Council on March 26.
Smith has been a contributor to Pearland’s public safety since the Pearland Volunteer Fire Dept. was established.
To learn more about Pearland Fire, visit PearlandTX.gov/Departments/Fire.
RSVP by emailing ksears@pearlandtx.gov
Posted in Pearland, Pearland Fire Dept/EMS
Tagged Pearland, Pearland Connection, Pearland Fire Dept./EMS
A 20-year-old man was driving down Highway 288 near Almeda Genoa on Monday (Sept. 14) around 9:45 p.m. when he was struck in the arm by bullets fired from a truck in the next lane.
The man exited 288 and stopped at Buc-ee’s, located at 11151 Shadow Creek Pkwy, and called 9-1-1. Pearland Police and Fire responded to the scene.
The man was not mortally wounded, and is expected to recover.
Police said the motive for the shooting is unclear. The incident is under investigation by the Houston Police Dept.
Congrats to Firefighter Dale Loewen of the Red team for his victory on Saturday at the Galveston Battle of the Badges.
Both he and Officer Robert DaSilva are to be commended for their efforts for the charity event. Thanks also to all those who came out to support these City of Pearland employees.
DaSilva and Loewen will team up for charity again for the Toys for Tots basketball game in December. Great job guys!
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