After Harvey devastated the Southern Texas Coastal area Transworld Brokers from across the country created a fund for Harvey victims. With the combined contribution from Transworld brokers, a match from the parent company, and a large contribution from Gerry Brisson, President of Transworld Houston, Transworld Business Brokers is honored to announce their contribution of $10,000 to the Rockport Volunteer Firefighter fund assisting Rockport Volunteer Firefighters in the rebuilding of their homes. The check was presented by Gerry Brisson and Brian Bray to Fire Chief Steve Simms at a meeting in Rockport.
Hurricane Harvey propelled a disaster response that was the largest in Texas state history. Neighbors, strangers, nonprofit organizations, and governments at all levels joined together to mount an extraordinary effort to save lives and meet the needs of thousands of people who suffered from the storm and subsequent flooding. Among those responders, Rockport’s Volunteer Fire Department (RVFD) worked around the clock during the storm. RVFD’s Chief Steve Simms and his team of volunteer of firefighters remained at the fire station throughout the hurricane responding to over 500 calls. While giving selflessly, 9 of the volunteer firefighters lost their own homes in the hurricane.
Like other first responders, the Volunteer Fire Department remains on call 24/7 and provides mutual aid for like organizations in neighboring cities and towns. Training is a mandatory requirement as these individuals must be able to perform quickly in desperate situations while wearing 75 pounds of clothing and gear. Research shows that 15 minutes of actual firefighting is equivalent to eight hours on a construction site. This nonprofit organization is independent of the City of Rockport. Today the fire department is home to approximately 50 dedicated volunteers continue to suppress fires and provide vehicular accident and technical rescue services through four stations and an impressive array of equipment.
