Pflugerville Fire Department

🎆 With Independence Day coming up, now is a great time to brush up on fireworks safety.

Remember, fireworks are illegal within Pflugerville city limits. The safest way to celebrate is by attending a professional fireworks show.

If using fireworks where legal, follow these safety tips:
• Keep a bucket of water or hose nearby
• Never allow young children to handle fireworks
• Skip the sparklers and give kids glow sticks instead
• Soak used fireworks and duds in water before placing them in the trash

Because we care, we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly and help keep our community safe this Fourth of July.

⚡ National Lightning Safety Awareness Week is June 21–27.

Lightning is powerful, unpredictable and can strike miles away from a storm. In fact, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.

Protect yourself by taking action at the first sound of thunder:

• Move inside a building or hard-topped vehicle
• Stay away from water, open areas and tall objects
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outdoors
Because we care, we encourage everyone to make lightning safety part of their summer plans.

Learn more at: https://brnw.ch/21x3xQf

Happy Father’s Day from Pflugerville Fire.

Today, we recognize the fathers, grandfathers and father figures who lead with strength, support and care both at home and in our community.

We are especially grateful for the dads within our department who balance service to others with service to their families.

Because we care, we wish everyone a safe and meaningful Father’s Day.

🚒 Training in Progress 🚒

Our firefighters spent time this week honing their Fire Apparatus Operator skills. From safely driving emergency vehicles to positioning apparatus and supporting fireground operations, these critical skills require continual practice and training.

Because We Care

🔥 We're back with another Profiles of Courage highlight.

Travis County Emergency Services District No. 2 x Profiles of Courage is a family-friendly Spotify series that gives members of our community the opportunity to get to know the faces behind the work.

This month, we're featuring:

Alexander Padden
Apparatus Specialist/Paramedic at Travis County ESD No. 2

"My mom told me that ever since I was a toddler, I played with fire trucks. I am forever grateful that I found my calling to drive fire trucks and serve my community alongside my brothers and sisters. Beyond becoming a better firefighter and driver every day, my peers have helped teach me how to be a better leader and a better person to those closest to me and to those I meet for the first time."

Because we care, we are proud to share the stories of the people who serve with dedication and purpose every day.

Listen to Alexander's playlist and learn more about Profiles of Courage here: https://www.pflugervillefire.org/profiles-of-courage/

🎉 Recognitions, Milestones, and Service 🎉

Last week’s Board meeting, we had the opportunity to celebrate several outstanding members of Travis County ESD No. 2 for their dedication to professional development, public service, and excellence.

We recognized:

👏 Mary Nyland on her retirement from the District and thanked her for her years of service and commitment to our organization and community.

🔥 Apparatus Specialist Jim Rodriguez for earning his Advanced Structure Firefighter Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

🔥 Firefighter Ross Tagtow for earning his Intermediate Structure Firefighter Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

🚑 Firefighter David Cook for successfully completing his Paramedic Credentialing.

🔥 Apparatus Specialist Gabriel Coleman for earning his Advanced Structure Firefighter Certification from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection.

🚑 Firefighter Daniel Lewis for successfully completing his Paramedic Credentialing.

🏛️ Captain Trevor Stokes for his appointment by Governor Greg Abbott to the Advisory Council on Emergency Medical Services. Trevor’s experience and expertise will help shape EMS policy and practice across the State of Texas.

📊 Jessica Frazier for completing all the course work to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a significant professional achievement that strengthens the District’s financial stewardship and accountability.

In addition, Commissioners Robert Turner, Mike Howe, and Randy Reese were officially sworn in following their reappointments to the Board of Commissioners. We appreciate their continued willingness to serve our community and provide leadership for the District.

Congratulations to all of our honorees. Your commitment to continuous improvement, professional excellence, and public service reflects the very best of our organization.

Because We Care. ❤️🚒🚑

🔥 Wildfire preparedness starts before the emergency.

Travis County ESD No. 2 and regional partners launched the F.L.A.M.E. Initiative to help reduce wildfire risk across eastern Travis County through practical, proactive steps residents can take at home.

F.L.A.M.E. focuses on:
• Fortifying structures
• Landscaping defensively
• Addressing spark entry
• Maintaining clean zones
• Educating and equipping residents

Learn how to strengthen your home’s wildfire resilience: https://www.pflugervillefire.org/flame-intiative/

*UPDATE* The fire is under control and there are no reported injuries.

Travis County ESD No. 2 Firefighters are currently on scene battling a structure fire at a home off of Kensington Castle Trail in Pflugerville. All occupants are reportedly out of the home.

🚒 A New Engine Nearing the Finish Line 🚒

This week the final inspection, pump testing, and CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) testing of our new ENG221, a Spartan Metro Star fire engine.

Before any apparatus is placed into service, it undergoes a rigorous inspection and performance testing process to ensure it meets specifications and is ready to serve the community safely and effectively. From pump operations to CAFS performance, every system is thoroughly evaluated before acceptance.

ENG221 represents another investment in providing our firefighters with reliable, modern equipment and ensuring the residents and visitors we serve receive the highest level of emergency response.

We look forward to bringing ENG221 home and placing it into service soon.

🚒🔥

Today we proudly recognize Vanessa Frost-Piedrahita, our Health and Fitness Coordinator, on 10 years of service with the Pflugerville Fire Department.

Vanessa joined the District after working as a Division I Strength and Conditioning Coach and accomplished Olympic weightlifter who competed at the national level. While her background was impressive, what has truly set her apart is her ability to adapt those skills to the unique demands of the fire service and become one of the leading voices in firefighter health, wellness, and human performance.

Over the past decade, Vanessa has helped transform the way we approach firefighter fitness, resilience, and long-term health. Through her tireless efforts, our members are stronger, healthier, and better prepared to meet the physical and mental demands of the profession. Her work has directly contributed to measurable improvements in firefighter performance, wellness, and quality of life.

Beyond her role as Health and Fitness Coordinator, Vanessa completed firefighter training and serves as a valued member of our Peer Support Team, further demonstrating her commitment to caring for the whole firefighter.

Today, Vanessa is recognized not only within our organization, but across the nation as a sought-after speaker, educator, and resource on firefighter health and wellness. Despite that recognition, she remains focused on what matters most- serving the members of this department.

Vanessa, thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to helping our firefighters perform at their best. We are incredibly grateful for your service and proud to celebrate this milestone with you.

Congratulations on 10 years of service, and thank you for everything you do.