Tye Fire Department Faces Disbandment Amid Public Service Crisis

The Tye Volunteer Fire Department in Texas, comprised of dedicated neighbors and public servants, has been officially instructed to turn in their equipment. Not by a memo or quick meeting. But oddly, by a police officer. And now, this long-standing department, which has responded to house fires, car crashes, and medical calls for years, is on the chopping block.

Texas City In Crisis

This comes on the heels of ongoing issues within the City of Tye when, earlier this year, city leaders confirmed that Tye’s Public Works Department all walked out. The infrastructure of Tye has been in a slow-motion collapse, from water leaks running unchecked to basic services grinding to a halt. And now, this Texas fire department may be next in line.

Equipment Seized

In a post shared by the Tye Volunteer Fire Department on Facebook, they were instructed by a Tye Police Officer to surrender all department equipment by June 15th. That includes everything used to help keep citizens alive in a crisis.

When our Fire Chief asked how our incoming calls would be handled, we were told it was temporary, so the new council could confirm inventory," the department posted. “We were told our emergency calls would be forwarded to surrounding towns until inventory could be completed. There was no end date provided.

Now, just days before the new city council meets for the first time, the department says they've been unofficially informed the city has plans to permanently disband the fire department and reroute all future calls to surrounding towns for good.

What's Next For Tye, Texas?

Not only will this mean Tye will be without a fire department, but it also puts the responsibility on neighboring towns that are already stretched thin. Not only that, but that also means a lot higher insurance rates for citizens, and a town left vulnerable.

Community Members Called to Action

Photo: Tye Volunteer Fire Department/Beaux Newlun

The Tye VFD didn't ask for this fight, but they are asking for your help.

We want to be here. We will continue to be here until we no longer can legally,” the department wrote. “We need your support in letting the city council know it is in the best interest of Tye residents to keep the fire department in town and running.

City Council Meeting

Citizens are being urged to attend the city council meeting to voice their concerns:

Monday, June 16
6:30 PM
Tye City Hall

The City of Tye is already struggling. Don’t let leadership take away one of the last lines of defense. Support your fire department. Show up. Speak loudly. Tye deserves better.