Getting Ready for the Winter Storm

January 25, 2026

HDR Fire and Rescue Prepare for Fern

Three people in dark uniforms by a pipe structure, one holding a wrench, outdoors in a field.

Pictured left to right Captain Nick Bourdoumis, Kendrick Parrish and Turner Hart of the HDR Fire and Rescue winterizing equipment in anticipation of winter storm Fern.

HDR Fire and Rescue Increases Staffing Ahead of Winter Storm Fern


Hull Daisetta Raywood Fire and Rescue (HDR Fire and Rescue), supported by Liberty County Emergency Service District #2, has increased on-duty staffing in anticipation of Winter Storm Fern, as named by the Weather Channel. The decision was made to ensure readiness and continuity of fire and emergency medical services during what is expected to be a period of hazardous weather conditions.


Under normal operations, HDR Fire and Rescue staffs the station during weekdays to maintain readiness while most regular volunteers are at their full-time jobs. Volunteer firefighters then provide coverage during evenings, overnight hours, and on weekends. However, with Winter Storm Fern forecast to impact the area, the likelihood of increased emergency calls is expected to rise significantly.


Another important factor considered was the difficulty volunteers may face responding to the station during inclement weather, including icy roads and unsafe driving conditions. While HDR Fire and Rescue is supported by a strong and dedicated group of volunteers who selflessly serve the community, leadership determined that maintaining staffed coverage during the storm was in the best interest of public safety. This approach reflects both the responsibility to residents and the fiduciary obligation to provide services within the department’s authorized scope.


HDR Fire and Rescue continues to work toward its long-term goal of providing 24-hour, seven-day-a-week service. At present, that ambition is limited by the level of tax revenue available. Even so, the department remains committed to doing everything possible to protect life and property, especially during times of elevated risk such as Winter Storm Fern.

Four men in an office setting, one reading from a paper, three others watching. A thin red line flag hangs on the wall.
February 16, 2026
Liberty County ESD #2 Commissioners Reappointed, Take Oath of Office
February 2, 2026
Liberty County ESD #2 Commissioners Attend Statewide Safe-D Conference
January 7, 2026
Russell Reed Sworn in as Fire Chief of Liberty County ESD #2
October 22, 2025
Liberty County Emergency Services District #2 (ESD #2 ) took part in a pivotal emergency response exercise held in 2025 at the Exxon-Mobil facility in Daisetta, Texas. The event was organized as a tabletop drill simulating emergency operations for the region’s key industrial site. This exercise underscored the commitment of local authorities and industry leaders to preparedness and coordinated response in case of disasters. Coordinated Response with Regional Partners The tabletop drill brought together various agencies and organizations to simulate a multi-faceted emergency scenario. In addition to ESD #2 , participants included: City of Daisetta officials Liberty County Sheriff’s Office personnel Local EMS (Emergency Medical Services) representatives Exxon Mobil Daisetta employees (a team of 25 staff) Exxon Mobil Beaumont facility representatives Exxon Mobil Fire Response Team from Beaumont This collaboration fostered open communication and established best practices for potential emergencies involving industrial and community infrastructure. Leadership and Fire Department Representation ESD #2 was represented at the drill by key members of their department, including: Fire Chief JT Smith Ryan Taylor, Firefighter Ethan Tindol, Firefighter Nick Bourdoumis, Firefighter The team showcased two major apparatus from their fire department, demonstrating their operational readiness and commitment to protecting Daisetta and nearby communities. Photo opportunities featured Fire Chief JT Smith, Ryan Taylor, Ethan Tindol, Nick Bourdoumis, and the two ESD #2 apparatus, highlighting the district’s resources and personnel on-site for the drill. Industry Support and Community Engagement After the successful completion of the emergency response exercise, Exxon Mobil provided lunch for all drill participants—fostering camaraderie and underscoring the importance of ongoing partnership between industry and local emergency services. Through exercises like these, Liberty County ESD #2 reinforces their mission to safeguard residents, businesses, and visitors, ensuring that emergency procedures are practiced, refined, and ready for any circumstance. The proactive approach taken at the Exxon-Mobil Daisetta facility exemplifies community resilience and the value of cooperation among public agencies and private enterprises.
October 20, 2025
The Hull-Daisetta-Raywood Fire & Rescue Department (HDR F&R) proudly serves the residents of Liberty County Emergency Service District #2, covering the Hull, Daisetta, and Raywood communities. Led by a dedicated full-time fire chief and supported by two paid firefighters on duty Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., HDR F&R relies on a strong network of volunteer firefighters to provide around-the-clock protection for the community. These volunteers step up evenings, nights, and weekends—often balancing their service with other full-time jobs—to ensure that help is always on the way when it is needed most. Many of the department’s members are certified firefighters or are currently pursuing certification. Several also serve with other fire departments across Southeast Texas, bringing valuable experience and professionalism to HDR F&R. Despite limited funding, the department continues to provide top-quality emergency response through a mix of paid staff and passionate volunteers. The Liberty County ESD #2 continues to work toward improving pay scales, benefits, and staffing levels as resources allow. In the meantime, HDR F&R maximizes every dollar by maintaining well-equipped, reliable apparatus ready for any call—whether it is a grass fire, motor vehicle accident, or a large structure fire. Beyond its own service area, HDR F&R also responds to mutual aid requests from neighboring departments. Recent examples include providing tanker truck and personnel to assist with a major business fire in the City of Liberty, as well as a late-night house fire in a nearby district. With a blend of professional skill, community commitment, and teamwork, the Hull-Daisetta-Raywood Fire & Rescue Department stands as a proud example of what local dedication can achieve—protecting lives and property across Liberty County, one call at a time. 
September 11, 2025
Liberty County ESD #2 is launching a new website. It is required by the State of Texas that all taxing entities in the State maintain a website and must have certain items on that website. Those needs of the ESD #2 had been poorly served and were not meeting all of the requirements of the State.
September 11, 2025
The ESD #2 honored Reta and Johnny Slack during our scheduled Family Appreciation night at the Fire Station. Seen here is Fred Lemond, President of the LC ESD #2 presenting the plaque that reads "Welcome to Liberty County Emergency Service District #2, You Have Entered the Reta & Johnny Slack Lobby, Named in honor of their years of service and dedication, May 29, 2025".