East Montgomery County Fire Department

08/11/2026

Who would love to adopt this cat that we rescued today. He got himself trapped in the wall of the station. Special cat needs a special home.
Let us know.

08/10/2026

DEPLOYMENT UPDATE | BRUSH 152

East Montgomery County Fire Department’s Brush 152, assigned to Strike Team 188, is currently deployed to Oldham County assisting with operations on the Brown Fire.

Our crew is working alongside firefighters and resources from across the state to support ongoing wildfire suppression efforts.

We’ll share additional updates as they become available.

Stay safe, Brush 152.

08/04/2026

Apparatus Spotlight: The Pumper (Engine)

Meet the Workhorse of the Fire Department

When most people picture a fire truck, they're actually thinking of a Pumper, also known simply as an Engine.

Its primary job? Deliver water to the fire.

But here's something many people don't realize...

A fire engine doesn't just carry water, it also carries the equipment needed to fight fires, rescue victims, and handle a wide variety of emergencies.

A typical engine is equipped with:
Hundreds of feet of fire hose
A powerful fire pump capable of moving hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water every minute
Ground ladders
Forcible entry tools
Medical equipment
SCBA air packs for firefighters
Traffic control and scene safety equipment

When responding to a structure fire, the engine's crew is usually responsible for stretching hose lines, locating the fire, protecting escape routes, and beginning the attack that saves lives and property.

Think of it this way...

The Booster is built for quick attacks on smaller fires.

The Engine is built to handle the big jobs.

It's the truck you'll most often see protecting homes, businesses, and your community when every second counts.

Next week in our Apparatus Spotlight series... we'll climb a little higher and take a look at the Ladder Truck!

East Montgomery County Fire Department (ESD7)
Proudly Serving Our Community.

07/30/2026

**What's That Fire Truck Do?**

Most people see a fire truck and think... well... *fire truck.*

Truth is, there are a lot of different kinds of apparatus, and each one has a specific job.

You may have heard terms like **Engine**, **Tanker**, **Ladder Truck**, **Rescue**, or **Booster**. They all play an important role, and over the next few weeks we'll introduce you to each one.

Let's start with one of the hardest-working vehicles in the fleet...

The Booster

Don't let the name fool you. It isn't a truck that goes around boosting morale, although it probably does that too.

A booster is a smaller, lighter firefighting vehicle designed to get where the big trucks can't. Narrow roads, muddy trails, fields, wooded areas, or neighborhoods with tight access are exactly where it shines.

It carries its own water tank, pump, and hose, allowing firefighters to attack smaller fires quickly without waiting for a larger engine to arrive. It's especially valuable for grass fires, vehicle fires, small outdoor fires, and providing an immediate response while additional resources are still on the way.

Think of it as the department's first responder on wheels. It's quick, nimble, and can often make a big difference in those first critical minutes before a fire has a chance to grow.

Every apparatus in our fleet has a purpose, and every one helps us answer the call when our community needs us.

Next time you see one of our trucks rolling down the road, you'll know there's a lot more to it than flashing lights and sirens.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing the different apparatus that help East County Fire serve our community every day.

06/29/2026

There are few days that bring a community together quite like the Fourth of July.

Families gather around the grill.
Neighbors pull lawn chairs into the front yard.
Children chase fireflies while they wait for the fireworks to begin.
Old friends reconnect.
New memories are made.

It's one of those rare days when an entire community seems to slow down and simply enjoy being together.

With all of that celebration also comes a little more activity than usual. Fireworks, outdoor cooking, campfires, and larger gatherings naturally increase the chances that something unexpected can happen.

Fortunately, that's rare.

Our hope is that this Independence Day is remembered for the laughter, the food, the fireworks, and the time spent with the people who matter most.

From all of us at East County Fire Department, we wish you and your family a safe, memorable, and Happy Fourth of July.

Happy Independence Day!

06/28/2026

Today, Battalion 155, Engine 155, Engine 156, and Ladder 151 responded to assist with an exterior fire that threatened multiple commercial buildings in Cleveland.

Our crews worked alongside other responding agencies to contain the fire, protect nearby businesses, and prevent further extension. Incidents like these require coordinated operations, strong teamwork, and a commitment to firefighter safety.

We are proud of the professionalism and dedication our members demonstrate whenever they answer the call.

06/28/2026

Today, we join our law enforcement family in mourning the loss of Deputy Erika Serrato, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on June 28, 2026.

Before proudly serving the citizens of Montgomery County as a Deputy Sheriff, Erika served her community as a Volunteer Firefighter with EMC Fire, answering the call to help others wherever she was needed. Her dedication to public service exemplified the very best of our profession.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Deputy Serrato’s family, friends, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and everyone whose lives she touched. Her courage, compassion, and commitment to serving others will never be forgotten.

-Chief Rinewalt

06/22/2026

WHY?

I woke up with a question last night.

Why would someone choose to become a firefighter?

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to spend a lot of time around men and women in the fire service. I've ridden with them, talked with them, watched them work, and listened to their stories. In all of that time, I've noticed one common thread.

They all have a deep desire to help people.

Not in the way most of us think about helping. Not holding a door open or lending a hand with a project. Their desire runs much deeper than that. They want to be the hand that pulls someone from danger. The hand that revives a pet carried from a burning home. The hand that reaches through twisted metal to free someone trapped after a crash.

I once had a firefighter tell me, "I'm the guy you meet on the worst day of your life."

I will never forget that sentence..

Because I don't think it's about the excitement. I don't think it's about the lights, the sirens, or even the uniform. I think it's about easing pain. It's about standing between tragedy and hope, even when the outcome is uncertain.

These people don't ignore the danger. They understand it better than anyone. They know the risks. They know that every call carries uncertainty. Yet they respond anyway. Their focus isn't on themselves. Their focus is on the person who needs help.

So who does that?

Where do these people come from?

Why would someone willingly choose a profession that could cost them everything?

At East County Fire Department, we often highlight our "Hometown Heroes." But the older I get, the more I think the word hero doesn't quite fit. A hero sounds larger than life—a character from a movie or comic book with abilities beyond what ordinary people possess.

Firefighters aren't superhuman.

They get tired. They get scared. They miss their families. They carry the weight of difficult calls home with them. They know that every time they put on that uniform and say goodbye to their loved ones, there are no guarantees.

And yet they go.

Not because they're superheroes.

Because they're firefighters.

And sometimes that's an even greater thing to be.

— Hank Vat

06/18/2026

06/02/2026

A Great Lunch and a Great Community Partner

Today, the crew at East County Fire Department was treated to an amazing lunch courtesy of Jesse's Burgers and Shakes at the Hwy 242 Food Truck Park.

We spend a lot of time talking about emergency response, training, and serving our community, but moments like this remind us that we are part of an incredible community that supports us every step of the way.

A big thank you to Jesse's Burgers and Shakes for taking the time to stop by and feed our firefighters. The food was outstanding, but the gesture meant even more. Support from local businesses helps keep morale high and reminds our crews that the community they serve stands behind them.

Please join us in thanking Jesse's Burgers and Shakes for their generosity and support of the men and women of East County Fire Department.

Thank you for having our backs. We truly appreciate it.