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Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department
Firefighter Code of Ethics
As a firefighter and member of the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department, my fundamental duty is to serve the community; safeguard and preserve life and property against the elements of fire and disaster, and maintain a proficiency in the art and science of fire engineering.
I will uphold the standards of my profession, continually search for new and improved methods, and share my knowledge and skills with my contemporaries and successors.
I will not allow personal feelings or danger to self to deter me from my responsibilities as a firefighter.
I will at all times respect the property and rights of all men and women, the laws of my community and my country, and the chosen way of life of my fellow citizens.
I recognize the badge of my office as a symbol of public faith, and I accept it as a public trust to be held so long as I am true to the ethics of the fire service. I will never use my official position to obtain advantages or favors for myself, my friends, or my family.
I will constantly strive to achieve the objectives and ideals, dedicating myself to my chosen profession — saving lives, preventing fires, and suppressing fires.
As a member of the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department, I accept this self-imposed and self-enforced obligation as my responsibility.
SVFD Mission Statement
The Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department is committed to providing the highest level of public safety service for our community. We protect lives and property through fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical first responder services, disaster management, fire prevention, and public education. Our members will: Strive to Prevent Harm to those we serve and ourselves, and we serve with Pride, Honor, and Integrity!
SVFD Oath of Office
I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Texas against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Texas; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties upon which I am about to enter.
To request an appearance by the Seabrook Volunteer Fire Department at your event, please email us.
During the pre-Pearl Harbor days of 1941, eight mostly middle-aged Seabrook citizens began a battle with another, closer enemy: FIRE. Thus, the Seabrook Fire Department was born, and Oscar Key became the first fire chief. Before long, the middle-aged citizens realized that a firefighter must be physically capable as well; so some young fellows were recruited and trained, and James Graves eventually assumed the role of fire chief. This transition allowed most of the founders to step aside and let a younger generation of firefighters assume the responsibility of providing fire service to the community. Four of the original founding members are still Seabrook residents.
The first fire apparatus for the fire department was an old Fair Maid bread truck, fitted with a centrifugal pump, which claimed to have out-squirted two Mutual Aid factory-built pumpers at a waterfront club fire. In 1945, the fire department briefly ceased operating because its equipment stopped working due to a lack of repair funds. The townspeople were irate at first, but a town meeting was held, and the hat was passed, and the department has been active ever since.
Following World War II, a war surplus pumper was acquired. Eventually, the engine gave out, so the first person to respond to the station would hook up his personal car and tow the pumper to the fire. Chief Graves' kid brother, Charles, often steered the pumper. Eventually, Charles Graves would rise to the rank of Chief of the Department.
In 1953, the department turned a new Dodge truck into a fine combination pumper. It was this truck that was also called the “Lunch Box Special,” because many of the members worked for area plants, and the companies donated parts. That “Lunch Box Special” stayed in service until several years ago, when it was finally retired. In 1953, the department filed for and received its charter, officially becoming the chartered fire department for Seabrook.
In 1955, the department obtained a 1921 American LaFrance rig that, sadly, no longer exists. Also in 1955, the fire department signed a 10-year lease agreement with Clear Creek Inde¬pendent School District for the property where the original Seabrook VFD Station 1 was located at 2nd St. and Highway 146 in Seabrook. In 1964, another 50-year lease was signed.
Funeral homes used to provide the only transport service for injured persons needing transport to area hospitals. In 1958, the Seabrook Volunteer Emergency Corps, Inc. was formed to provide medical first aid until Jack Rowe Funeral Home arrived. Later, when the Clear Lake Emergency Corps was formed, this service was discontinued, except for members of the department and during fire calls. SVFD has maintained a close working relationship with CLEMC to this day, with many members being members of both agencies.
In 1961 and 1962, two FMC Ford John Bean pumpers were purchased and remained in service until 1983, when they were replaced with a new pumper.
During the 1970s and 80s, the department continued to serve the communities of Seabrook and El Lago. Because of the community, SVFD has always had a close relationship with NASA, with many of its members employed there. The department continued to grow in membership, and as the surrounding communities developed, its mission expanded.
In 1994, the department entered into a lease with the City of El Lago for property located adjacent to their city hall on Lakeshore Drive. Station 2 was built to provide better protection for El Lago and the upper NASA Road 1 area, and to appeal to El Lago residents and attract additional members. Station 2 has since provided members living in that area a chance to support the community with faster response times.
In 2006, SVFD moved into its new Station 1, located at East Meyer. SVFD also acquired a 95’ Pierce Tower, greatly enhancing the capabilities of the department.
Presently, the department provides fire, rescue, medical first responder, and limited HAZMAT services to the cities of Seabrook and El Lago and the adjacent unincorporated area of Harris County, with a combined population of approximately 14,000. The department consists of all volunteers, employing various pieces of apparatus, including three engines, one combination rescue-pumper, one 95’ tower, one fire boat with a 3000 gpm water pump, an RHIB rescue boat, and numerous smaller support vehicles and apparatus.