Timber Lakes Volunteer Fire Department unveils new Station 141

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Recently, community leaders, fire fighters, law enforcement, and neighbors of the Timber Lakes / Timber Ridge area of The Woodlands gathered for a special celebration honoring the opening of the Timber Lakes Volunteer Fire Department’s new station.

“We’re super excited for this event; it’s been a long time coming,” TLVFD chief Josh Kennedy told Woodlands Online. “The community made it happen. It was the number one item of interest, and our ESD board secured the funds, and everyone came together to complete the vision. The next step is to get our ISO grading redone and get our insurance costs lowered for everyone.”

Station 141, the first such station built in Timber Lakes and Timber Ridge in 56 years, came after years of planning. Established in 1969 out of a local garage, moved onto donated land in 1971, and subsequently partnered with the Montgomery County ESD (Emergency Services District) 14 in the 1990s, the volunteer fire department worked hard to find the money – approximately $4 million – to complete the project.

James Cox, one of the ESD 14 commissioners, told the assembled crowd, “When we first talked with the chief about his vision, we said ‘dream big; we’ll find the money.’ He did, and we did. It was your tax dollars – sales tax and property taxes – that’s what helped create this station, and we’re grateful.”

Precinct 3 Commissioner Ritch Wheeler, who attended with his family, also addressed the crowd, reflecting on the day a year previously when he spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony for the station after winning his election but before he had taken the office.

“If you give us money, you’ll get something in return. You gave us tax money, and today is an example of giving back with five star service. This station will be here for generations to come, something to be proud of. Thank you to the community,” he said.

Not only did great care go into the planning of the station to make it a state-of-the-art first responder facility – including three bays, firefighter and officer dorms, a gym, patio, common area, and watch room – but also to take the surroundings into account. Several trees had to be cut down to make room for the new facility – to the dismay of some residents – but those trees were honored by being turned into boot jacks and a bench, to keep their decades-old legacy alive in a new form.

The ceremony also included speeches from ESD and TLVFD personnel, feedback from longterm residents, a dedication by emergency manager Jason Millsaps, an uncoupling ceremony – the fire department version of a ribbon-cutting – and tours for the guests.

The Timber Lakes Volunteer Fire Department is a combination department that provides three professional and volunteer firefighters on duty each day, which allows for 24/7 staffing and serving the residents of the Timber Lakes / Timber Ridge community, Woodmill Creek, and surrounding areas. TLVFD’s response area is approximately 3 sq. miles, located in southern Montgomery County, and is bordered by The Woodlands Township and Harris County. The district is a mix between residential areas and a growing commercial base with a population of approximately 8,000 residents. TLVFD has a strong partnership with the Montgomery County Emergency Services District 14, from which it receives its funding to provide outstanding service to its citizens.

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