A Turning Point for Fire Services in Galveston
Across the nation, aging firehouses and outdated gear have become a major concern for fire safety and public health. But in Galveston, Texas, voters recently took decisive action on this issue: through a bond proposal, they will soon replace Fire Station No. 2 with a more modern, safer building.
On November 4, 2025, approximately 62 percent of Galveston voters delivered a resounding message of support for their local firefighters, and approved the $10 million bond measure.
The Firefighters & EMS Fund mobilized its activists quickly, even earning a mention in a Galveston Daily News editorial. This underscores our organization’s ongoing commitment to advocating for the safety and well-being of emergency responders nationwide.
What the Bond Means for Galveston
The approved bond will fund the construction of a new, modern fire station on the same property at 428 Church Street. This expansion addresses multiple critical deficiencies that have plagued the current facility for years:
- The new footprint will extend back to the alley, taking advantage of previously wasted space.
- The larger apparatus bay will house a fire engine, ladder truck, ambulance, and brush truck.
- On-duty staff will have access to proper dormitory space.
- The building’s ventilation system will also be completely renewed.
In its current state, Fire Station No. 2 presents serious safety hazards to the firefighters who work there. The building’s original configuration, which dates back to the 1960s, places sleeping quarters within 30 feet of engine exhaust. It forces firefighters to live and sleep in dangerous proximity to vehicle bays, where they are constantly exposed to diesel exhaust fumes.
The cramped conditions also limit the station’s operational capacity. Station No. 2 covers everything east of 16th Street, including parts of the Port of Galveston and the University of Texas Medical Branch campus. This area has seen significant growth and development in recent years, and the current facility cannot accommodate the modern equipment needed to serve it. It cannot fit the ladder trucks necessary for the taller buildings constructed to meet post-Hurricane Ike.
The new facility will also house room for an EMS vehicle, which will dramatically shorten response times for medical emergencies on the island’s far east end. Quick response times can make the difference between life and death for residents experiencing heart attacks, strokes, and other time-critical medical emergencies.
Why This Matters Beyond Galveston
While this victory is significant for Galveston, its implications extend far beyond the island. Similar infrastructure challenges plague fire departments across the country. Aging stations, built decades ago, often fail to meet modern safety standards or a growing population.
Galveston’s voters have sent a clear message: fire services are a key consideration for any urban revitalization or development project. The firefighters serving an area deserve safe and well-ventilated bases. This is not a luxury, but an essential investment for any growing community.
The health concerns at Galveston’s Fire Station No. 2 mirror issues faced by firefighters nationwide. The link between diesel exhaust exposure and increased cancer risk among firefighters has become clearer for researchers and advocates alike, prompting recent legislative efforts to expand access to screenings.
Beyond health considerations, modern fire stations improve emergency response capabilities and help retain talented personnel. When firefighters work in facilities that respect their safety and wellbeing, departments can better recruit and maintain skilled teams. This directly translates to better emergency services for the entire community.
Firefighters & EMS Fund Featured in the Conversation
The Firefighters & EMS Fund’s inclusion in the Galveston Daily News editorial highlights our ongoing advocacy work at the local, state, and national levels. As a grassroots voice for firefighters and EMS workers, we work to strengthen fire and EMS readiness through policy initiatives and by supporting communities that prioritize public safety infrastructure.
When local newspapers reference organizations like ours in discussions about firefighter safety, it amplifies our message and helps educate communities about the real hazards their emergency responders face.
Community Support and Civic Momentum
The success of Galveston’s bond measure reflects strong collaboration among fire department leadership, local officials, and residents. Similar success stories elsewhere show that community engagement and transparent planning continue to drive meaningful change in public safety infrastructure.
Fire Chief Mike Varela and the department got the ball rolling, making a compelling case for the new station by clearly articulating both operational needs and health concerns. The Galveston City Council then made change possible by calling the election, demonstrating unified leadership on this critical public safety issue.
Finally, public opinion leaders had a role to play. The editorial board of the Galveston Daily News urged voters to approve the measure, citing its vital importance for both community safety and firefighter health. Thanks to their endorsement, voters knew what was at stake and showed up on November 4th. Nearly two-thirds of voters supported the bond despite the associated tax increase.
This level of support went above party lines, and indicates that when communities understand the stakes, they’re willing to invest in protecting those who protect them.
A Blueprint for Other Communities
Galveston’s successful bond election offers a blueprint for other municipalities facing similar challenges. The key elements of this victory can be replicated:
Clear communication about needs: Instead of simply asking for a new building, Fire department leadership effectively explained both the operational limitations and health hazards of the current facility.
Community engagement: Local officials, the fire department, and media outlets worked together to educate voters about why this investment mattered.
Unified leadership: The city council’s unanimous support sent a strong signal that this was a priority worth supporting.
Emphasis on mutual benefit: Supporters successfully communicated that the new station would benefit both firefighters and residents.
Other municipalities can take note: Galveston has set an example of how civic engagement and transparent communication can lead to real change. Broader efforts in the region have also prioritized preparedness and resiliency, particularly in areas vulnerable to natural disasters.
Our Continued Commitment
The Firefighters & EMS Fund will continue to highlight and support similar legislation across the country – and celebrate any resulting community victories. We recognize that change happens at the local level, where voters can directly impact the conditions their emergency responders face every day.
As communities nationwide consider infrastructure investments and budget priorities, we encourage supporters to stay engaged, informed, and proactive in their local areas. Attend city council meetings and support any initiatives that help keep firefighters safe. After the election, hold elected officials accountable to ensure the money and equipment get delivered where they’re needed.
Together, through local action and sustained advocacy, we can ensure that firefighters and EMS workers across America have the safe, modern facilities they need to do their jobs effectively while protecting their long-term health.
The work continues, but Galveston has shown the way forward.
