Carol L. Bush

 

ELLIS COUNTY JUDGE

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Of?ce of Ellis County Judge Carol Bush
972-825-5011
Waxahachie, Texas, April 7, 2015

STATEMENT FROM ELLIS COUNTY JUDGE CAROL BUSH

?The allegations against those members and af?liates of the E50 #6 Volunteer Fire Department who
have been arrested are shocking and appalling. I am concerned for the victim of the alleged crime; but, I
am also concerned for the continued safety of those citizens of Ellis County who depend upon E50 #6 for
basic ?re protection.

Ellis County does not maintain its own fire department. Fire protection across the county is provided by
both municipal fire departments and by volunteer ?re departments. Pursuant to the Texas Health and
Safety Code, the volunteer ?re departments are managed by Emergency Services Districts, which are
independent political subdivisions with taxing authority, governed by their own boards of directors. The
authority of Ellis County is limited to appointing those directors and ?lling vacancies. The county has no
legal authority over the operations of either the ?505 or the volunteer ?re departments.

I am con?dent that this event is not representative of the character of the majority of fire service
professionals in the county. It is my understanding that various other E505 and municipal ?re
departments are in the process of discussing how they will work together, if necessary, to prevent any
gaps in ?re coverage. Notwithstanding this event, we are blessed with a strong culture of
professionalism among the county?s ?re services. I am grateful for their leadership and commitment to
public safety.

Additional inquiries should be directed to Emergency Services District 

-END-

The Historic Courthouse 101 W. Main St. Waxahachie, TX 75165 972-825-5011 countyjudgelift-c0.ellis.tx.us