MISSION
To minimize loss of life and property through Emergency Response, Prevention and Community Involvement.
CORE VALUES
Our success is built upon the foundation of our commitment to Professionalism, Leadership, Integrity, Respect, Compassion and Safety.
VISION
Our organization is recognized by those we serve as exceptional and innovative.
History of Lake Travis Fire Rescue
In 1963, After a series of wild land fires plagued the community, the residents of Hudson Bend secured donated fire equipment from the U.S. Forest Service. Until this, there was no recognized fire protection. And by 1964 The Hudson Bend Volunteer Fire Department was formed by both men and women of the Lake Travis area.
As the Lake Travis population began to grow, so did the fire department’s roster to include the Lakeway Fire Department. The Lakeway Fire Department merged in the mid 70’s with the Hudson Bend Volunteer Fire Department.
By the mid-to-late 80’s, a special Rural Fire Protection District was formed to provide financial funding to the fire department and as time passed State Legislation was passed allowing voters to establish a political subdivision in attempts to form a Board of Commissioners and a stronger tax base, as Rural Fire Protection Districts had limited tax amounts. (Chapter 775 of the Health and Safety Code.)
In 1995, Travis County Emergency Services District No. 6 was formed providing the Hudson Bend Fire Department the financial strength to keep up with community’s needs. With the increased tax base, the Travis County ESD No. 6 Commissioners could provide the citizens of Lake Travis with firefighters and state of the art equipment to ensure the level of fire protection was adequate. Staffing of four stations with two firefighters per engine was attained.
A fifth station was added in Steiner Ranch in 2000 as call volume was increasing and in 2008 TCESD No. 6 Commissioners changed the name of the department from Hudson Bend Fire Department to Lake Travis Fire Rescue.
More recently, the TCESD No. 6 Board of Commissioners created the Lake Travis Fire Rescue Citizen’s Advisory Committee in 2014 and by 2015 all Lake Travis Fire Rescue fire stations were staffed with four firefighters, which was a tremendous milestone for LTFR and the community it serves and protects.
Meet The Team
Fire Chief Robert B. Abbott
Fire Chief Robert B. Abbott began his fire service career in Travis County in 1996 where he served in the ranks as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Engineer, Lieutenant, Battalion Chief, and Assistant Fire Chief. As an Assistant Fire Chief, Chief Abbott led the Operations, Training and Support Services Divisions where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of emergency service delivery.
Today, Chief Abbott is privileged to be able to lead a staff of talented professionals who are focused on providing the highest level of fire, prevention and first response possible by nurturing an open labor/management relationship and developing community-centric programs.
Chief Abbott holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Concordia University, a master’s degree in public affairs from the University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs Executive Masters in Public Leadership program, and has earned both the Texas Fire Chief’s Academy Certified Fire Executive (CFE) and the Center for Public Safety Excellence’s Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation. He has served as an expert witness on matters relating to employee terminations and labor disputes and is a practicing labor and divorce mediator. Chief Abbott is active in supporting state and federal initiatives focused on improving the public safety industry. He is President of the Capital Area Fire Chiefs Association and the Central Regional Director for the Texas Fire Chiefs Association while maintaining an active membership in a number of professional and trade organizations.
RICK TESS
Assistant Fire Chief
& Fire Marshal
ERIC CARLSON
Battalion Chief – C-Shift
South Battalion
PRESTON JACOBI
Battalion Chief – A-Shift
South Battalion
STEVE KNAUS
Battalion Chief – A-Shift
North Battalion
JEREMY PETERSMA
Battalion Chief – B-Shift
North Battalion
CLAY PHILLIPS
Battalion Chief – C-Shift
North Battalion
MICHAEL PRATHER
Battalion Chief – B-Shift
South Battalion
