The Austin (TX) firefighters union voiced outrage over Fire Chief Joel G. Baker’s decision to deny their request to assist in flood-stricken Kerrville—despite being hailed as the region’s top swiftwater rescue unit. 

On July 2, 2025, the State of Texas issued deployment orders ahead of rising floodwaters. According to a social media post from the Austin Firefighters Association, the elite Special Operations teams—trained in swiftwater techniques and boat missions—were ready to mobilize before floodwaters surged. Two Austin Fire Department (AFD) boats and six swiftwater technicians were ready to deploy, but were denied permission to respond. A second request was received on July 4, and it was also denied. However, three AFD rescue swimmers were eventually sent to help airlift victims, and that too wasn’t until late in the day on July 4. The department remained grounded until then, the union claims. 

“It brings the Austin Firefighters no pleasure … the Austin Fire Chief DENIED the deployment of Austin firefighters to Kerrville until very late into the event (so today-July 7th!) … It is absolutely outrageous … LIVES WERE VERY LIKELY LOST BECAUSE OF CHIEF BAKER’S DECISION!” — Bob Nicks, Austin Firefighters Association Facebook statement

Further criticism centered on the motive behind the delay. The union charges Chief Baker prioritized saving money, despite state reimbursement covering full deployment costs. “I explained the reimbursement process … and he failed to understand this very simple concept,” the statement reads. 

Firefighters say the department is internationally recognized for its water rescue expertise. AFD personnel undergo regular swiftwater training, including throw-bag techniques, submerged vehicle extrications, indoor flood environments and rescue-boat drills at sites like Barton Springs. Austin is also part of the state’s Texas Urban Search and Rescue Team, Texas Task Force 1 (TXTF1) with 24 boat team members and two TXTF1 boats and equipment ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. 

Additional partnerships bolster urban water rescue, including a helicopter-support program launched within the past year that includes 10 rescue swimmers. A 2016 report emphasized AFD’s position as one of the state’s most “proficient with rapid water rescue techniques” operating a sixboat swiftwater team—among the most equipped in Texas, placing them on the cutting edge of flood response. 

Grim statistics from Sunday’s Hill Country flooding underscore the stakes: more than 80 people were killed, including more than two dozen children, with Kerr County particularly devastated. First responders scrambled to evacuate some 850 individuals—a stark testament to the critical need for rapid deployment. 

Reflecting on this, firefighters assert that “we were forced to stand down and lives were lost,” calling Chef Baker’s actions a “dereliction of duty.” 

In response to the mounting anger, union leadership has initiated a vote of no confidence against Chief Baker, beginning Tuesday, July 8. They vow “transparency to the community” and are seeking the suppo

Comprehensive five-year fleet contract for the Calgary Fire Department includes rescues and engines, building on previous contracts for aerials and water tenders.

APPLETON, Wisconsin (July 7, 2025) – Pierce Manufacturing Inc., an Oshkosh Corporation (NYSE:OSK) business, is proud to announce Canadian Pierce dealer, Commercial Emergency Equipment Co., has secured an apparatus contract and initial order with the Calgary Fire Department (CFD). The 5-year contract with an additional 4-year option covers all engines and rescues in an unlimited, as-needed capacity and builds on previous contracts for aerials and water tenders, as Pierce remains the primary supplier of all heavy front-line apparatus for CFD over the next eight years.

“Deciding on a partner for our full-fleet engine replacement was not something we took lightly,” said Nigel Thorley, leader of Fleet and Equipment for the Calgary Fire Department. “Following a rigorous, competitive procurement process, Pierce and Commercial were the clear choice to rely on for our pumpers and rescues. This agreement will help ensure that the Calgary Fire Department continues to evolve with one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities.”

The initial order includes 20 engines and 2 rescues, representing one of the most significant apparatus purchases in Canadian history. This initial phase marks the beginning of a comprehensive fleet replacement for all Calgary engines and rescues, with additional orders planned over the course of the contract.

Bob Schulz, president of Pierce Manufacturing said, “We are honored the Calgary Fire Department has placed its trust in Pierce and Commercial Emergency Equipment for such a significant fleet contract. This agreement solidifies Calgary’s commitment to building one of the largest all-Pierce fleets of fire apparatus in the world, and we are proud to support them in their mission to keep their community safe.”

The contract highlights CFD’s focus on fleet standardization, ensuring that all future apparatus

will be built on Pierce Enforcer™ top-mount enclosed chassis.

Features of the initial order will include:

(20) Pierce Enforcer Top-Mount Enclosed Triple Combination Pumpers

• 500-gallon booster tank with direct tank fill
• Waterous CMU 2000 GPM two-stage pump
• Husky™ 3 Foam System TAK-4^® Independent Front Suspension
• Cummins X10 450 hp engine
• Hydraulic ladder rack
• Task Force Tips Monsoon 1250 GPM deluge monitor
• FRC/Seon InView 360-degree camera system
• GPS traffic preemption

(2) Pierce Enforcer Non-Walk-In Heavy-Duty Rescues

• Cummins X10 engine 450 hp engine
• GPS traffic preemption

Mike Feduniw, sales manager at Commercial Emergency Equipment, emphasized the importance of standardizing the fleet. “Designing a fleet that shares as many components as possible, from drivetrains to cab layouts, ensures both first resp

The Laredo (TX) Fire Department and the city responded to criticism that one of its ladder trucks was used by federal agents in a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid of a warehouse in the South Texas border city, msn.com reported.

The Laredo Immigrant Alliance said in a Facebook post that the city’s fire apparatus was used in a raid by ICE agents at a warehouse June 26.

The Laredo Fire Department responded on Facebook with the following statement:

“The Laredo Fire Department would like to address concerns raised by members of our community regarding the presence of LFD units during a recent federal operation near Mile Marker 13 in the industrial area.

“Our involvement was strictly limited to providing medical standby support, as is standard during any large-scale or potentially hazardous operation. Our crews were on scene to ensure rapid medical response in case of emergencies, especially due to the remote location and the potential for high-angle rescue scenarios. Additional resources, including an aerial truck, were deployed purely as a precautionary safety measure.

“We understand that images circulating online may have created confusion or concern, particularly regarding our association with immigration enforcement activities. We want to be clear: The Laredo Fire Department is not involved in deportation efforts or any immigration enforcement operations.

“Our mission is and always will be to serve and protect the health and safety of all residents of Laredo, regardless of immigration status. We are committed to maintaining the trust of our community and continue to work with our public safety partners to ensure the well-being of every person in our city.”

During a news conference, Laredo Mayor Victor Treviño said the city is “not immigration enforcement,” the msn.com report said.

Trevino also stated in the news conference that Laredo is “a law-abiding community and have always collaborated with our state and federal partners.” He reiterated that the city does not conduct immigration enforcement but said that in certain federal operations, fire and law enforcement have been involved for public safety, lmtonline.com reported.