Serving with Excellence, Planning for Tomorrow

Serving with Excellence, Planning for Tomorrow – Comal County Emergency Services District No. 6

Emergency Services District No. 6

Created by public election in 2003, Comal County Emergency Services District No. 6 (ESD No. 6) is a Texas political subdivision. It serves southern Comal County by providing fire and emergency medical services across more than 75 square miles of varied terrain, including hill country, rural, wildland, and suburban areas.

Focused on Today, Planning for Tomorrow

ESD No. 6 is committed to serving citizens with highly trained crews, modern equipment, and centrally located resources that support rapid response. Meeting this commitment requires strategies with comprehensive action plans that keep pace with changing needs, new technology, and population growth. The ESD No. 6 Commissioners lead this planning in close coordination with service providers Chief Donald Zipp of the Bracken Fire Department and Jason Mabbitt, Director of Emergency Medical Services for Schertz EMS.

Did you know?

• How long does it take to receive a new fire truck once ordered? After an order is placed, delivery typically takes 24 to 60 months. ESD No. 6 currently has an F550 Brush Truck on order, with delivery expected in Spring 2028 (approximately 24 months from order to delivery), and a Pierce Enforcer Pumper Truck on order, with delivery expected in early 2030 (approximately 54 months from order to delivery). Because fire trucks generally serve for 18 to 20 years and fully equipped pumpers can cost more than $1 million, the district plans replacements well in advance. This proactive approach helps ensure new apparatus is available before existing equipment must be retired and keeps crews prepared to respond safely and effectively.

• What happens to retired fire trucks? Used fire trucks have resale value, and ESD No. 6 works to secure the best possible return on its investment. After vehicles are decommissioned, the district seeks buyers, typically within Texas, whose needs match the available equipment. Proceeds from these sales are returned to ESD No. 6 to help fund future modernization needs.

• Why is there construction at the Waechter Substation? The Bill Waechter Substation opened in 2018 at 28004 Delafield Dr. (FM 1863 and Delafield) to better serve the district’s growing population. The district adapted an existing structure for operations and crew quarters and added a new equipment bay. Planning accounted for the existing facility’s eventual replacement. In recent months, the district has advanced those plans, finalized a contractor solicitation, and expects construction of a new operations and crew facility to begin soon, with an anticipated opening in late 2027 or early 2028. This project supports the district’s ongoing strategy to maintain optimal emergency response for residents.

Monthly ESD No. 6 Meetings Open to the Public

ESD No. 6 holds a monthly business meeting open to the public, typically on the second Monday of each month. For more information, visit the ESD No. 6 website at https://comalcountyesd6.org.