|
Community Services
|
|
Washington County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Washington County Emergency Medical Service (EMS) provides mobile intensive care unit (MICU) level emergency care to the citizens of Washington County and the Carmine area. Founded in 1979, the local EMS was the first ambulance service in the Brazos Valley to provide advanced life support-level care. Today, Washington County EMS continues to be a leader among emergency care providers and handles 9-1-1 calls (in Washington County and the Carmine area) and local, long-distance emergency and non-emergency transfers between healthcare facilities. It is the only all-MICU level EMS service in the Brazos Valley area. A staff of 15 full-time and 9 part-time paramedics, emergency medical technician-intermediates (EMT-Is), and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) work to provide care via the service’s four MICU ambulances. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available through the Brenham Police Department and the Washington County Constable’s Office in Precinct 2. The law enforcement units carrying the AEDs are dispatched to heart-related emergencies in the city limits and in the area covered by the Precinct 2 constable’s office. A first responder organization will begin working in conjunction with the Washington County EMS in January 1999. The first responders will be utilized to provide basic care until EMS personnel arrive on the scene of an accident or medical emergency. On an annual basis, Washington County EMS responds to approximately 3,500 calls and handles 3,000 patients. Approximately 50 percent of the service’s calls are emergencies.
Brenham Fire Department The Brenham Fire Department was officially created by City ordinance on June 10, 1867. The company was founded, on the surface, to protect against fire, but in actuality, it was created as a military organization whose duties were to protect the lives and property of the citizens from Union soldiers stationed here during the Reconstruction era. In May 1879 the Brenham Fire Department became the proud owner of a new Silsby Steam Engine, which could pump 600 gallons per minute. It was designed to be drawn by hand or by horses. The engine now sits in a special exhibit next door to the Brenham Heritage Museum. The current Fire Department is a combination department with nine-paid fireman, the Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal position and 44 volunteers. The Fire Chief’s position is filled from the ranks of the volunteers. With a rich heritage and many accomplishments to its credit, the members of the Brenham Fire Department look forward to an even greater future with the same objectives as they had in 1867: to serve the community.
The Brenham Police Department has been practicing community policing since long before the term became the trend. In a community like Brenham, where people still stop and visit in the court yard square, our officers are part of our family. The Brenham Police Department is a very progressive one. The mission statement isn’t just a phrase that is posted on the department walls, it is a belief that is held by each and every officer. Teamwork, decision-making skills aren’t just words, they are values shared by one and all. In the past five years, the Police Department has forged strong partnerships with many entities in the community, including the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the Brenham Independent School District, the Brenham Housing Authority, many civic organizations and all city departments. The Neighborhood Response Team, a program started by the Police Department to address community-specific issues, now enjoys the support of all the above entities as well as many others.
Washington County Sheriff’s Office The Sheriff and his deputies are responsible for patrolling and protecting residents outside the City limits. The Sheriff’s Office is an elected one, as are most offices within the County government. The department has a total of 22 officers who are assigned as patrol officers and detectives, and nine officers assigned to the jail operations. The department also has a total of 17 jailers. The Sheriff’s Office and the Police Department work together as a united law enforcement presence in this area, and received the strong support of the entire community.
Utilities The City of Brenham is unique among cities of its size, and in fact, for most cities because we own and maintain all our utilities. This allows us to provide our citizens the best electrical, gas, water and sewer, and sanitation services available, all with a hometown touch. The City currently serves approximately 6,000 electric customers; 4,000 gas customers; 6,000 water and sewer customers; and 4,600 sanitation customers. The City bills all utilities and offers Automatic Bank Drafting to its customers. Outside of the city limits, electricity is provided for by Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Incorporated. Bluebonnet Electric services over 55,000 customers in 14 counties.
Recycling The City of Brenham, in cooperation with Washington County, owns and operates a full service recycling center. The Center accepts cardboard, aluminum cans, newspaper, magazines, plastics, oil and oil filters, automotive batteries and various metals. This partnership between the City and the County is just one example of the spirit of cooperation that exists in our community. The Recycling Center hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon.
©2005
Washington
County Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau
|