Rusk County ESD #1 Training Facility Usage Policy
Adopted March 31, 2024

 

PURPOSE

This procedure is designed to provide information for the usage of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1 training and meeting facility located at 1515 Whippoorwill Ave., Henderson, Texas 75652.

BACKGROUND

In September 2022, drawings were submitted for a new training and meeting facility for the use of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1, which would house the County Fire Marshal, Emergency Management Coordinator, Chaplain, Firefighters Association, and any other entities as seen fit by the ESD.

DEFINITIONS

 

Emergency Services District (ESD): An emergency services district (ESD) is a political subdivision established pursuant to Chapter 775 of the Texas Health and Safety Code. An ESD generally supports or provides local emergency services, which can include emergency medical services and fire protection services.

County Fire Marshal: A county fire marshal is a member of a state, provincial, or territorial government who is responsible for enforcing fire regulations, coordinating fire-fighting units, and investigating fires.

Emergency Management Coordinator: Emergency management coordinators are the emergency management professionals called upon to ensure that all activities between the emergency management agency and local emergency response agencies and the general public are coordinated and in place. Emergency management coordinators are responsible for the organization of the personnel, resources, and facilities in times of crisis. They coordinate the emergency management agency or organization’s disaster preparedness and response plan in accordance with both state and federal regulations and provide assistance to organizations in the development of their preparedness, response, and recovery plans. Emergency management coordinators pay close attention to both state and federal regulations, implementing them in a timely manner. [TGC Sec. 418.1015]

Entity:  An entity is an organization that has an identity separate from its members. This can include a business or governmental unit.

Chaplain:  A fire department chaplain provides spiritual and personal support to firefighters and other staff members. They are available 24/7 to help firefighters and their families.

Firefighter Association:  A firefighter association is an employee organization that represents firefighters and represents their interests with their public employer or Emergency Services District.

PROCEDURE

POLICY STATEMENT

The aforementioned training and meeting facility will be used primarily for:

1. Monthly meetings of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1
2. Monthly meetings of the Rusk County Firefighters Association
3. Office of the Rusk County Fire Marshal/EMC
4. Monthly meetings of the Office of Emergency Management
5. Any special or called meetings of the Board or Committees of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1, Rusk County Firefighters Association, Office of Emergency Management
6. Office of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1 IT Consultant
7. Office of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1 Chaplain
8. Commissioner's office for the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1
9. Office for the Rusk County Firefighters Association
10. Records for the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1, Rusk County Firefighters Association, Rusk County Fire Marshal/EMC, Chaplain.
11. In the event of any kind of emergency situation, the facility’s Command Center will be opened for use by the District in conjunction with Rusk County officials, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Rusk County EMS, all departments of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1, and any city, county, state or federal entities needed as per the situation.
12. Primary records for any emergency situation will be maintained at the training/meeting facility.
13. Any County, City, or State entity may request the use of the facility, without cost, as long as it does not conflict with any scheduled meeting and/or event. A request for use must be received 10 days prior unless it is deemed an emergency situation. Requests may be emailed to events@ruskcountyfire.org of the Rusk County Emergency Services District #1.
14. Any county fire department or member in good standing of a fire department may request use of the facility for a fundraising event, or family affair (reunion, anniversary, wedding or wedding reception, funeral reception, birthday, etc.) without cost.
15. As pertains to items #13 and #14, a cleaning fee may be charged if the facility is not left clean and in good condition. This fee will be based on the actual cost to the District for the cleaning of the facility or any of the grounds surrounding the facility.
16. The facility will not be used by any and all residents of the county as an event center. Its primary use will be maintained as a training and meeting facility for the fire departments in Rusk County, Texas.