Message From the Fire Chief
Building on our PFD legacy was a consistent focus during 2024. A commitment to continually increase our safety, efficiency, and training in all areas has been reflected in the productive year PFD has experienced. October 5, 2023 was a harrowing day for our organization as we experienced a challenge no fire department ever wishes to endure, a MAYDAY fire. A “MAYDAY” is set in place anytime an event occurs on any fire scene that places firefighters in an immediate life or death situation. It’s an immediate, all-hands call for help to free a downed firefighter. PFD experienced his first-hand at a fire in the county portion of our
J. Taylor Fire Chief
jurisdiction (future Firehouse 7 District). An external collapse fell directly on one of our firefighters, Eddy Liceaga, and trapped him in a ball of fire and debris. A MAYDAY was immediately declared by his Lieutenant who witnessed the collapse, himself only 6 feet away. The first-in crew immediately went into rescue mode and worked together to free Firefighter Liceaga from the burning debris in 42 seconds. As was evident during the post-event inspection of his protective gear, he didn’t have another 15 seconds to spare. Other PFD members also rushed into action to quickly treat and transport Eddy to the medical center in downtown Houston. Everyone from the initial collapse to the emergency department, to the surgeons, to the rehab specialists, were exceptional at all levels. Firefighter Liceaga met his goal of returning within a year and is currently serving in a light duty capacity until fully recovered and back on the rig. We are so blessed that God had a plan for Eddy as he is now a strong advocate for the benefit of intense training and proper tactics on the fireground. We place an extremely high emphasis on intense, focused training at PFD. As we now say on the training field, “42 seconds can change the world”.
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