EQUIPMENT:  

The Fire Department vehicle fleet has expanded to meet the growing needs of the citizens of Sachse. The vehicle equipment includes a booster truck, 2 ambulances, a fire support vehicle, a rescue truck, fire engine 2, fire engine 3, a fire command vehicle, the fire chief's vehicle and the aerial/snorkel engine.  

CODE ENFORCEMENT:

The Fire Chief's office is responsible for code enforcement of certain areas of the City of Sachse Code Book such as high grass, open burning violations, bulk/trash violations, etc.  Check out the Enforcement page under Community Development, or call the Fire Chief at 972-675-1633, ext. 48.

HISTORY OF THE SACHSE FIRE DEPARTMENT:

On December 1, 1986, the City Council of the City of Sachse passed Ordinance No. 529 adopting a Uniform Fire Code.  On May 4, 1987, the Sachse City Council approved Ordinance No. 578 amending Ordinance No. 529 and outlining the selection of a Fire Chief.  Mr. Joe Stone served as the first Fire Chief of Sachse.  According to Ordinance No. 578, this position would be appointed annually.  Soon after establishment of the Ordinance, the Bylaws were written naming the organization the Sachse Volunteer Fire Department, outlining officer positions, and addressing requirements for membership.

In October 1981, the Sachse Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) purchased a 1981 Ford F800 fire truck, type 2 x 4, 750 gallon water capacity with a 2 stage centrifugal pump and all attached equipment for $52,500.

Since October 1983, the SVFD has provided fire protection to unincorporated areas of Dallas County.  On July 7, 1986, the SVFD also entered in to a Mutual Aid Agreement to serve areas of Dallas County.

Jack Yates became Sachse’s second fire chief and began serving in this capacity in 1987.

Through a bond election in 1988, the SVFD purchased a 1988 Triple Combination 1250 GPM Custom Fire Engine.  A bond election held in 1991 approved SVFD purchasing a Class A Hurricane 4-door all aluminum cab, 1250 GPM pumper truck with a 750 gallon booster tank and all related equipment.

In April 1993, the SVFD entered in to an Automatic Assistance Agreement with the City of Rowlett.

In 1994, Doug Kendrick is selected by the members of the department as the third Fire Chief in SVFD’s history.  Also in 1994, SVFD entered in to an ALS First Responder Services Agreement with Methodist Hospital of Dallas.

In October 1998, a Standard Operating Procedure was approved establishing policies and guidelines for compensation of $5.00 per run to firefighters who responded to emergencies for the City of Sachse.  In October 1999, the position of Fire Chief became a paid position.  Chief Kendrick applied for the job and was selected as the first paid Fire Chief for Sachse.  In January 2000, the department was recognized as a city department and in March 2000 a resolution was passed establishing administrative and fiscal policies for the Fire Department.  Since that time the City has added Station 2 and full-time paid personnel to make Sachse Fire Rescue one of the best in the area.

THE MALTESE CROSS

When a courageous band of crusaders, the Knights of St. John, fought the Saracens for possession of the Holy Lands, they were faced with a new device of war - fire.  As the crusaders advanced on Jerusalem, the Saracens pelted them with glass bombs full of naphtha and then threw down flaming torches. Hundreds of knights were burned alive while others risked their lives to save their fellow fighters from painful fiery deaths. These crusaders became the first firefighters. Their heroic efforts were recognized by fellow crusaders who presented them with a badge of honor similar to the cross worn by firefighters today.

Since the Knights of St. John lived on the island of Malta, the cross came to be known as the Maltese Cross. The firefighter who wears this cross is willing to lay down his life for others, just as the crusaders sacrificed their lives for their fellow man so many years ago.