Arial view of the fire station.

About

Departmental History

Serving Vidor, Rose City, Pine Forest, and the surrounding areas with dedication and pride.

Our story began in the 1940s in the burgeoning city of Vidor, where local emergency needs were first met by neighboring volunteer departments. The community spirit of Vidor led to the formation of our own fire department in 1952, marking the start of a legacy of local heroes dedicated to protecting and serving.

From our first firehouse at Mr. J.C. Arnold’s gas station to the comprehensive services we provide today, our journey has been one of growth, commitment, and resilience. Over the decades, we transitioned from the Vidor Volunteer Fire Department to the Orange County Emergency Services District #1, expanding our services, equipment, and facilities to meet the growing needs of our community.

Now, with two stations, a fleet of state-of-the-art equipment, and a dedicated team, we continue to uphold the values instilled by our founders, embracing change and innovation while honoring our past.

Our Approach

Our Vision

To provide the best emergency services possible to our community and its visitors. We will perform these services with integrity, dedication, and compassion.

Our Mission

Orange County Emergency Services District #1 will evolve, change, and flex to the demands of providing efficient and effective life safety services to the best of our ability, to an ever changing and growing community.

Our Values

  • Family
  • Duty
  • Loyalty
  • Respect
  • Responsibility
  • Pride
  • Discipline
  • Integrity
  • Love
  • Tradition
  • Honor
  • Compassion
  • Courage
  • Honesty

Our Team

Leadership is crucial in guiding our department towards its vision and mission. Meet the dedicated individuals who steer our course:

Robert L. Smith

Fire Chief

Texas Commission on Fire Protection Certified Master Structure Firefighter, Master Fire Investigator, Master Fire Inspector, Fire Instructor III-Master, Fire Officer IV, Advanced Fire Marshal, Hazardous Materials Technician, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, Incident Safety Officer, Fire and Life Safety Educator II, Incident Commander, Plans Examiner 1, Driver Operator-Pumper, Basic Wildland Firefighter, Head of Department Suppression. Texas Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. Masters degree in Public Administration, with a concentration on Emergency Management, Bachelors degree in Fire Service Administration, and an Associates degree in Fire Protection Technology. Certified Fire Executive with the Texas Fire Chiefs Association. Member of the Institute of Fire Engineers, Certified Fire Investigator with the International Association of Arson Investigators.

chief1@ocesd1.com

Richard Davis

Captain- C Shift

Shift Commander for C Shift. Texas Commission on Fire Protection: Advanced Firefighter, Advanced Fire Investigator, Fire Instructor II, Fire Officer II, Driver Operator-Pumper, Incident Safety Officer, Basic Wildland Firefighter, Incident Commander. Texas Emergency Medical Technician-Basic.

cshift@ocesd1.com

Dane Trahan

Lieutenant-B Shift

Shift Commander for B Shift. Texas Commission on Fire Protection: Advanced Firefighter, Advanced Fire Investigator, Hazardous Materials Technician, Driver Operator-Pumper, Fire Instructor I, Fire Officer I, Hazardous Materials Incident Commander, Basic Wildland Firefighter. Texas Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic.

bshift@ocesd1.com

Nichole Mann

Lieutenant-A Shift

Shift Commander for A-Shift Texas Commission on Fire Protection: Intermediate Firefighter, Intermediate Fire Investigator, Driver Operator-Pumper, Driver Operator-Aerial, Fire Instructor I, Hazardous Materials Technician, Fire Officer I, Basic Wildland Firefighter. Texas Emergency Medical Technician-Basic

ashift@ocesd1.com

Lance Dempsy

Lieutenant-Training/Community Risk Reduction

Texas Commission on Fire Protection: Advanced Firefighter, Advanced Fire Investigator, Driver Operator-Pumper, Fire Instructor I, Basic Wildland Firefighter. Texas Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic.

fireinvestigator@ocesd1.com

Each member of our team plays a vital role in our success and your safety. We are united in our commitment to serve and protect, equipped with knowledge, skill, and a deep sense of community dedication.

Firemen connecting the hose to the truck.

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