Abilene Inspectors Lend Expertise to Fighting Fires RRC Pair Volunteers Time with Burkett VFD If you happen to find yourself in the volunteer fire department in the small North Texas town of Burkett, you will likely run into more than just a few Golsons. The family of Golsons, including Justin and Travis, are passionate about fighting fires. The brothers, who are both inspectors for the Railroad Commission, have been fighting fires since they were old enough to do so. Their father runs the department, and their wives are also volunteers. “During the recent devasting wildfires in Eastland and other surrounding counties, Justin spent approximately 36 hours and Travis approximately 30 hours actively fighting these fires,” said Tammy Shelton, a team leader for RRC’s Critical Infrastructure Division who previously worked alongside the Golsons in the Oil and Gas Division’s Abilene District. “These gentlemen put their own lives in danger without hesitation every time the call comes in, and without men like Justin and Travis, the rural communities of Texas would be without any fire protection.” Both of the Golson brothers are among many at the RRC who spend time volunteering to help their communities. Texas Government
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Code §661.905 and RRC policy allows employees who volunteer as firefighters, emergency medical service workers and search and rescue staff to attend up to five days of training per year and can be granted time off for emergency situations. “You don’t do it for the money,” said Justin, who is the Abilene District’s H2S coordinator. “It is about just getting out and helping people.” The area around Burkett, which is southeast of Abilene, is part of the state’s rolling plains and has abundant grasslands and farm fields, which can be subject to wildfires during windy and dry conditions. That’s partly why the Burkett Volunteer Fire Department, which was created in 2003, is so important to the community. When the need arises, people living in the area come together to help each other out. “It is truly amazing to see people do that, to save a neighbor’s house or a stranger’s house,” Justin said. Without the volunteer fire department, response time would be double or even triple what it is now, the brothers said. The people who volunteer understand local conditions very well, and the vehicles they use are specific for the terrain.
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