by | Published
Pipe Creek Volunteer Fire Chief Rory Henrich is sounding the alarm over a proposed Emergency Services District (ESD) that he says could negatively impact emergency response times for a large portion of Bandera County Precinct 2. The proposed ESD—named Bandera County ESD 1—is being advanced by a citizen-led committee in Lakehills and is scheduled for potential placement on the November 2025 ballot.
According to Chief Henrich, the Lakehills committee originally agreed during meetings with Pipe Creek and Medina Lake Fire Departments to use the departments’ existing service boundaries—established since the early 1970s—as the dividing lines for the proposed ESD. These boundaries were developed over decades to ensure efficient coverage and minimal response times in emergencies.
However, after meeting with Bandera County Judge Richard Evans, the Lakehills group allegedly altered their plan. Henrich states that Judge Evans told the committee he would only approve the petition for ballot inclusion if it encompassed all of Precinct 2, rather than the previously agreed service areas.
The committee moved forward using the full Precinct 2 boundary map—without informing or consulting Pipe Creek or Medina Lake Fire Departments. Henrich and Medina Lake Fire Chief have both publicly expressed strong opposition to the change, arguing that it would remove control of emergency response from local providers and result in slower response times for many residents currently serviced by Pipe Creek VFD.
If approved, all fire and EMS services for Precinct 2 would shift to the new Bandera County ESD 1 and its personnel based in Lakehills—even if another fire department is physically closer to the scene.
Example Scenarios Provided by Pipe Creek VFD:
Timber Creek Subdivision: Currently served by Pipe Creek VFD in approximately 10 minutes. Under the new plan, response would come from Lakehills, taking 24 minutes.
Bandera Falls and English Crossing Road: Less than 3 miles from Pipe Creek station, but would be reassigned to Lakehills ESD, which must travel through Pipe Creek’s territory to reach those neighborhoods.
“This isn’t about politics or turf—this is about saving lives, and the difference minutes can make in a fire or medical emergency,” said Chief Henrich. “We urge all residents in affected areas to speak out and oppose this change before it’s too late.”
Timber Creek Subdivision
Medina River Ranch
Bandera Falls
Spring Creek
Red Bluff Ranch Rd
Rio Ranchero Rd
Lake Forest Rd
Alamo Beach Rd
Pops Place Community
Starvation Hill Rd
Parts of Bump Gate Rd
Parts of English Crossing Rd
A public hearing will be held:
Date: August 21, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Lakehills Community Center, 11225 PR 37
Pipe Creek VFD is asking residents to attend in large numbers and voice their opposition to the proposed boundary change. The department is also encouraging citizens to call or email their County Commissioner or Judge Evans directly to express concerns.
Maps showing the affected regions and additional updates will be made available by Pipe Creek VFD on their official platforms in the coming days.
“This ESD proposal, as it stands, benefits a few but endangers the many,” said Henrich. “We’re fighting for the safety of our community, and we hope you’ll stand with us.”
