Webster Way | May 2024

LEADING WITH COURAGE: A DECADE OF SERVICE IN THE WEBSTER FIRE DEPARTMENT

For the Webster Fire Department Battalion Chief Marshall Boyd, every day on the job presents new challenges and opportunities for growth. Reflecting on his extensive experience spanning over two decades, Marshall shares insights into his journey, the evolving landscape of firefighting, and the bonds that unite his team.

Marshall’s path into the fire service was anything but conventional. A chance encounter with a friend led him to the fire department in Nassau Bay, where he was invited to volunteer as a firefighter.

What began as a simple invitation to volunteer quickly evolved into a profound passion for firefighting. Marshall’s dedication to the volunteer role was unwavering. He juggled his commitments, balancing work, college, and his new volunteer role. Marshall pursued additional training, attending the fire academy and EMT school during nights and weekends. Despite initially viewing it as temporary, he found himself drawn to the sense of purpose and community that permeated the fire service.

After years of volunteering and honing his skills, Marshall’s journey led him to Webster, where he eventually became a full-time firefighter in 2013.

“It wasn’t the plan, but I fell into it and fell in love with it,” says Marshall.

“Safety is the byproduct of welleducated, trained, high-functioning, autonomous individuals,” says Marshall.

However, it’s not just the tactical aspects of firefighting that Marshall emphasizes—it’s also the community within the department. Drawing parallels to the military, Marshall speaks of the strong bonds forged among firefighters, referring to them as brothers. He highlights the importance of fostering relationships and creating an environment where open communication and mutual respect thrive.

“Creating an environment where people can grieve and talk about certain things is healthy, and I think we’ve done a pretty good job at that,” says Marshall.

Beyond the challenges and risks, Marshall finds fulfillment in the moments of connection and service to the community. Whether responding to emergencies, participating in training exercises, or engaging with the public, Marshall and his team remain dedicated to their calling.

“We raised our hands and took an oath. These guys believe in the work they’re doing,” says Marshall.

“The mission is more important than our personal feelings or emotions. We deal

with

that later, but the mission comes first and foremost.”

—Marshall

Boyd, Battalion Chief

One of the most profound shifts Marshall experienced was his transition from executing tasks as part of the team to overseeing operations as a Battalion Chief. With promotion came a heightened sense of responsibility, requiring Marshall to strike a delicate balance between ensuring the team’s success and prioritizing their safety.

Despite the inherent risks of the job, Marshall remains steadfast in his commitment to the fire service’s mission of saving lives and protecting property. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and training in mitigating these risks.

Looking ahead, Marshall is optimistic about the future of the fire service and the continued evolution of techniques, equipment, and protocols. He stresses the importance of adaptability and staying abreast of advancements while always maintaining sight of the fundamental values that define the profession.

Marshall remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence within the fire service while continuing to serve his community with dedication and passion.

“We want to be visible in the community,” says Marshall, “The more visible we are, the more we connect with the public.”

HOUR SUCCESS

Last month, the Webster Professional Firefighters Association hosted a lively Happy Hour at Chicken N Pickle. The event marked the beginning of their upcoming tournament season and served as a fundraiser for crucial community initiatives.

One of the highlights of the evening was the opportunity to purchase souvenir cups adorned with the association’s logo. These cups not only served as keepsakes but also played a significant role in fundraising efforts. From April 1st to April 15th, patrons could purchase these cups, with a portion of the proceeds (25 cents from each cup) being allocated to the association’s community outreach programs.

Webster Professional Firefighters Association @wpfa_14

COMMUNITY CHRONICLES: CELEBRATING CHIEF

SPENCER’S 45 YEARS OF SERVICE

The City of Webster came alive last month in a heartfelt celebration honoring Fire Chief Dean Spencer, who has dedicated an impressive 45 years to serving our community. Remarkably, Chief Spencer’s journey began as a mere 14-year-old volunteer for the Webster Fire Department, marking the start of an illustrious career.

Chief Spencer stood surrounded by the embrace of his family and friends as he was recognized at the City Council meeting.

“It is our honor to recognize Chief Spencer. A man of remarkable intelligence, unwavering loyalty, and undeniable charisma,” says Mayor Donna Jasso.

The City would like to express its deep gratitude for Chief Spencer’s steadfast dedication, unwavering bravery, and relentless commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community.

Congratulations on reaching this remarkable milestone, Chief Spencer. Your legacy of service will continue to inspire us.

2024 HURRICANE SEASON

As the winds shift and the temperature rises, we’re reminded that hurricane season is fast approaching. Taking proactive steps to prepare ourselves, our families, and our communities for the potential challenges ahead is essential. From stockpiling emergency supplies to devising evacuation plans, readiness is critical to weathering the storm safely. As we gear up for another hurricane season, let’s embark on a journey of preparedness, ensuring that we stand firm in the face of adversity and emerge resilient, no matter what nature may bring our way.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

The City of Webster has an emergency notification service that enables officials to rapidly disseminate messages to thousands of residents and businesses through a single telephone call, text message, or email. You can sign up for Swift 911 notifications via recorded messages, email, and cellular text messages by visiting www.cityofwebster.com/1182/swift-911.

EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

A vital component of any family plan is a well-stocked Emergency Kit. Keep enough supplies in your home to shelter in place for at least three days. If possible, keep these materials in an easily accessible, separate container or special cupboard. You should indicate to your household members that these supplies are for emergencies only. Check the expiration dates of food and update your kits when you change your clock during daylight-saving times. During hurricane season, always keep at least half a tank of gas in your car. Rethink your needs every year and update your kit as your household changes.

DETERMINE IF YOU LIVE IN A FLOOD-PRONE AREA

Anyone living in a flood-prone area is especially vulnerable to hurricane impacts. Find out today the flood risk for your location and plan accordingly. If you don’t live in a flood zone, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re safe—extreme rain from hurricanes can bring floods even to areas that aren’t prone to flooding.

HURRICANE READY: YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO

READY, SET, PREP!

The Office of Emergency Management concluded a comprehensive fourweek emergency preparedness initiative in collaboration with the City of Webster After School Program.

Throughout the program, students were educated on various types of disasters that could affect our locality, ways they can contribute during emergencies, and strategies for enhancing their families’ preparedness.

The final two sessions included an emergency kit relay race and a workshop on building emergency kits. Each participating child received a kit containing essential items such as nonperishable food, a flashlight, first aid supplies, an emergency blanket, sanitary wipes, and a personalized list of additional items recommended for preparedness.

HURRICANE TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS

• Secure your home: Ensure your roof, windows, and doors are in good condition and withstand high winds. Install shutters or plywood to protect your windows from flying debris. Trim trees and bushes to reduce the risk of falling branches.

• Check your insurance coverage: Ensure you have adequate homeowners’ insurance coverage, including wind and flood damage protection.

• Prepare an emergency kit: Your emergency kit should include at least five days’ worth of food, water, and supplies for each family member, as well as any necessary medications and first aid supplies.

• Develop an evacuation plan: Know your evacuation route and have a plan in place for where you will go and how you will get there in the event of an evacuation order.

• Back up essential documents: Make copies of important documents such as insurance policies, passports, and birth certificates, and keep them in a waterproof container.

• Secure loose items: Bring any outdoor furniture, toys, or other items that could become projectiles in high winds.

• Stay informed: Monitor weather reports and local news to stay current on the latest developments. Sign up for emergency alerts from the City of Webster at www.websteralerts.com.

• Plan for your pets: Don’t forget about your furry friends! Ensure you have enough pet food, water, and supplies for at least five days.

HURRICANE TIPS FOR BUSINESSES

• Develop a business continuity plan: A business continuity plan outlines how your business will continue operating during a disruption, such as a hurricane. The plan should encompass communication strategies for engaging with employees, customers, and suppliers, along with protocols for backup systems and data storage procedures.

• Secure your business property: Ensure your building and equipment are in good condition and withstand high winds. Install shutters or plywood to protect windows from flying debris. Consider purchasing a backup generator to ensure you can continue operating during a power outage.

• Back up essential data: Ensure your important data is backed up and stored offsite or in the cloud to protect it from damage or loss.

• Communicate with employees: Keep your employees informed of your hurricane preparedness plan and procedures. Ensure everyone knows how to contact each other and get information during an evacuation.

• Check your insurance coverage: Ensure adequate coverage, including wind and flood damage protection. Know what your deductible is and what the process is for filing a claim.

• Secure loose items: To prevent loose items from becoming dangerous projectiles during high winds, it is essential to secure outdoor furniture, signage, and any other loose objects by bringing them inside.

• Plan for post-hurricane cleanup: Develop a plan to clean up your business property and return to normal operations as quickly as possible.

HOW THE CITY STAYS PREPARED

• The City can conduct water rescues with a pair of high-water vehicles. Our personnel are also certified in swift water rescue and dive operations.

• The fire station houses an Emergency Operations Center (EOC) that functions 24/7 during emergencies. The EOC is staffed by emergency management, fire, police, public works, and City administration personnel coordinating the response to a hurricane.

• Essential public safety and public works personnel stay at City facilities during storms so that they are ready to respond as soon as possible.

• City buildings have backup power, and the Public Works Department has portable emergency generators and pumps to service water and wastewater infrastructure.

• The City has emergency contracts and mutual aid agreements to start recovery as quickly as possible.

CERTIFIED MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS RECOGNIZED

The Texas Municipal League has designated Council Member Martin Graves and Mayor Pro Tem Beverly Gaines as Certified Municipal Officials.

Martin and Beverly are two of the 30 public officials in Texas recognized as Certified Municipal Officials in 2023.

LANDSCAPE AWARDS

This designation is earned by elected officials who have completed 72 hours or more of Continuing Education Units (CEUs), including two hours of open government training in one calendar year.

The City of Webster thanks Council Member Martin Graves and Mayor Pro Tem Beverly Gaines for their commitment to furthering their professional development in City government.

The City’s annual landscaping contest is back, and we’re looking for the most stunning yards in Webster! The City will scout for the best residential homes based on their yard appearance until September.

We’re seeking creativity, balance, and thoughtfulness in your landscaping design. Think vibrant colors, textured foliage, and eyecatching hardscape features!

Remember to add a touch of garden art for that extra wow factor. ��

Winning homes will have a ‘Yard of the Month’ sign placed in their front yards, and a picture of their home will be featured in the Webster Way alongside other winners of that month. May the best yards win!

SATURDAY, MAY 4TH

The City of Webster will conduct a General Election on May 4, 2024. Council Position 1 and Council Position 2 are on the ballot.

A voting device to assist disabled voters will be available during Early Voting and Election Day.

For more information, please visit our City page by scanning the QR code.

VOTING LOCATION UPDATE

As we prepare for the upcoming City election, we want to inform you of a significant change regarding the voting location.

In recent years, City elections have taken place at the Webster Civic Center. This year, voting will be held at Webster City Hall on 101 Pennsylvania Avenue.

For the Harris County election, check Harrisvotes.com for your polling place. Your voice matters, ensure you’re in the right place!

Please note this change and plan accordingly. If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact City Secretary Michael Muscarello at 281.316.4144.

Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your participation in the upcoming election.

CITY COUNCIL RECAP

March Recap

• City Council approved the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report for the September 30, 2023 fiscal year.

• City Council authorized a purchase order to Fuquay, Inc. to rehabilitate fiberglass sanitary sewer manholes.

• City Council authorized a purchase order to Hahn Equipment Co., Inc. for the ongoing modernization of control systems in the lift stations of the sanitary sewer collection system and water distribution plants, facilitating upgrades for improved efficiency and functionality.

• City Council approved a Resolution suspending the effective date of the CenterPoint Electric proposed rate increase for the maximum period allowed by law to permit adequate time to review the proposed changes and establish reasonable rates.

• The City Council authorized the City of Webster to enter an Interlocal Agreement with Harris County to dispense medications and supplies to identified Webster employees, contractors, and their immediate family members during a public health emergency or pandemic.

• City Council authorized the City of Webster to sell six surplus police patrol vehicles to Liberty County Constable PCT 5 that were removed from service due to mechanical issues and maintenance costs.

• City Council authorized the Webster Police Department to upgrade its Ti Training scenario-based simulator with enhanced technology to prepare officers to deal with situations they may encounter effectively.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE HELD ON THE FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY OF THE MONTH.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE NEXT CITY COUNCIL MEETING, VISIT OUR WEBSITE BY SCANNING THE QR CODE!

www.cityofwebster.com 281.332.1826

MAY JUNE

*Special meetings may be added, and meetings may be canceled if there are no agenda items. Check the City website at cityofwebster.com for meeting information.

WEBSTER CITY COUNCIL

Chris Vaughan

Donna Jasso