FIRE SUPPRESSION DIVISION
South Padre Island is a resort town in Cameron County, Texas, United States. It is part of the Brownsville–Harlingen Metropolitan Statistical Area. It may be included as part of the Brownsville–Harlingen–Raymondville and the Matamoros–Brownsville metropolitan areas. The population was 2,816 at the 2010 census. The town is located on South Padre Island, a barrier island along the Texas Gulf Coast accessible via a causeway from the town of Port Isabel. South Padre Island is named after José Nicolás Ballí (Padre Ballí), a Catholic priest and settler.
South Padre Island is home to one of the most popular destinations for college Spring Break.
Population increases during the month of March and increases service calls for public safety ( EMS,POLICE and FIRE)
South Padre Island also becomes a popular vacation destination in the summer increasing population in the island.
Locals also travel for weekend getaways to South Padre increasing the need for emergency services.
Town of South Padre Island Fire Department provides fire suppression and emergency medical services within the city and ESD Zone 6 which covers Isla Blanca and North County Beach parks.
Town of South Padre Island Fire Department also provides mutual aid to our neighbor city of Port Isabel with fire suppression and emergency medical services.
STORMS HISTORY
In September 1967, Hurricane Beulah caused extensive damage to much of the town of South Padre Island.
On 23 July 2008, Hurricane Dolly made landfall on the island as a category 1 storm, also causing extensive damage to the town. The Bahia Mar Condominium had extensive damage and had to be gutted due to the damage.
In July 2010, the island received heavy rains from Hurricane Alex however the storm left the island generally unscathed.
In September 2008 Hurricane Ike caused moderate damage to the island.
Population and Demographics
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Coordinates: 26°6′43″N 97°10′11″W
As of the census 2010, there were 2,816 people, 1,222 households, and 662 families residing in the town. The population density was 1,335.9 people per square mile (516.7/km2). There were 4,685 housing and commercial units at an average density of 2,584.1 per square mile (999.4/km2). The racial makeup of the town was 94.59% White, 0.70% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 2.77% from other races, and 1.24% from two or more races. 22.83% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
SOURCE: DEPARTMENT OF UNITED STATES CENSUS
There were 1,211 households out of which 15.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.3% were non-families. 35.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.00 and the average family size was 2.54.
In the town, the population was spread out with 12.9% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 34.2% from 45 to 64, and 18.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 113.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 115.9 males.
The median income for a household in the town was $45,417, and the median income for a family was $53,250. Males had a median income of $39,250 versus $30,028 for females. The per capita income for the town was $31,708. About 10.2% of families and 12.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.1% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.
SERVICES PROVIDED
STRUCTURAL FIRE SUPPRESSION
WILD LAND FIRE SUPPRESSION
ADVANCED LIFE SUPPORT EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES
EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER
HAZ-MAT TECHNICAL SUPPORT
RESCUE TECHNICAL LEVEL PROGRAM
RESCUE OPERATIONAL LEVEL
BEACH PATROL AND RESCUE (SEASONAL)
COMMUNITY CPR EDUCATION
FIRE PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
OPERATIONAL BUDGET 2014
STAFFING LEVELS
Full time certified firefighter / EMT: 14
Full time certified firefighter/ Paramedic: 10
Daily staffing is of 4 firefighter for fire suppression and 4 firefighters for EMS/fire suppression (if available)
Interim Public Safety Director: Randy Smith
Assistant Fire Chief: Juan V. Loya
Administrative assistant: Yolanda Cruz
APPARATUS FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION
1- 2008 F-450 4×4 Brush/ Rescue truck 400 gallon tank.
1- 2007 Pierce Contender pumper 1260 GPM pump with 1000 gallon tank.
1- 2010 Pierce Velocity Aerial Ladder 100ft HAL with 2000 GPM pump and 500 gallon tank.
2- 2014 F-150 Support trucks
Beach Rescue Apparatus
4- 4×4 truck quick response units
1- rescue wave runner
1- rescue boat
1- ATV response unit
Town of South Padre Island Fire Department
EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES DIVISION
EMS APPARATUS
2013 F-350 Wheeled Coach Type 1 Ambulance. ( Medic 1)
2012 F-350 Wheeled Coach Type 1 Ambulance. (Medic 2)
2001 E-350 trauma Hawk Type 3 Ambulance. (Medic 3) Reserved unit.
1 support truck and Engine company are staffed with a paramedic and can respond as advanced life support first responder.
South Padre Island Fire Department is licensed under Department of Health Services as an emergency medical service provider.
South Padre Island Fire Department has the capabilities to provide advanced life support with first responder units when all ambulances may be in service.
South Padre Island Fire Department provides care under the medical direction of Dr. Richard J. Ybarra and is one of a few departments in South Texas that provides critical care treatment under Dr. Ybarra protocols.
Town of South Padre Island Fire Department takes pride in providing Fire protection and emergency medical care to our citizens and visitors that make this a great community.