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Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD9) rolled out a new fleet of specialized wildland firefighting equipment for the Sam Bass Fire Department (SBFD), to strengthen emergency response in wildland and WUI environments.


The deployment includes a Can-Am two-row UTV designed for wildland access, a 4x4 command and support vehicle, and a custom dual-purpose trailer. The trailer is designed both for transporting specialized firefighting equipment and serving as a firefighter recovery unit during operations.


These additions, building on equipment ESD9 provided to Round Rock Fire Department last year, show a continued investment in wildfire preparedness across Williamson County.


“As ESD9 and Williamson County continue to grow, so does the complexity of our emergency response environment,” said ESD9 Commissioner Alan Forster. “ESD9 is committed to ensuring our service providers are equipped not just to respond, but to operate effectively in increasingly challenging wildland-urban interface conditions.”


ESD9 continues to focus on training, equipment, and preparedness initiatives aimed at ensuring partner fire departments have the resources needed to respond safely and effectively to evolving wildfire risks and emergency response demands in Williamson County.



Meet the Latest Additions to the SBFD Fleet  👇

ESD9 Commissioners Present Challenge Coins to Round Rock Fire Department for 20-Year Partnership

By Hannah Hughes • April 20, 2026
In honor of our 20-year partnership with the Round Rock Fire Department (RRFD), ESD9 Commissioners presented challenge coins to every member of the department during their annual banquet to commemorate two decades of shared dedication and achievement in mitigating fire risk throughout Williamson County. Over the past 20 years, this partnership has strengthened emergency response capabilities, enhanced firefighter safety, and helped protect thousands of residents and businesses. “The challenge coins commemorate our deep appreciation for RRFD’s unwavering commitment, professionalism, and service to our community,” said Alan Forster, ESD9 Commissioner. “We look forward to continuing this strong partnership for many years to come.”

ESD9 Voters Support Investment in Future of Fire, EMS Services

May 20, 2025
Voters living in Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD9) on May 3 overwhelmingly cast their ballots in favor of a sales tax measure that promises to fund the operation and improvement of fire and emergency services in the county, now and into the future. “The support for this measure is a testament to the importance that those living in our community place on the services we support and coordinate,” said Michael Garcia, President of the ESD9 Board of Commissioners. “What this represents is an investment in the future of crucial services in the ESD9 area. Especially as Williamson County continues to grow and thrive, the importance of maintaining and upgrading these services cannot be overstated." The sales tax measure authorizes ESD9 to receive up to 2% in local sales and use tax in all areas in which the rate had not already been set at the state maximum of 8.25%. The revenue from this measure will go directly to the strategic planning of fire and emergency services in the area, the purchase and maintenance of cutting-edge equipment, and the proactive training of fire and emergency personnel – empowering these responders with the resources they need so that residents receive the highest level of fire protection. Read the full press release on PR Newswire: 👉 Williamson County ESD 9 Voters Support Investment in Future of Fire, EMS Services

Supporting Safety: ESD9 Proposes Sales Tax Increase to Strengthen Emergency Services

April 30, 2025
The Board of Commissioners of Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (WCESD 9) has placed a sales and use tax proposition (Proposition A) on the ballot for the upcoming election on Saturday, May 3, 2025. If approved by voters, this proposition would allow the District to collect up to 2% of the local sales and use tax in areas that have not yet reached the state’s maximum rate of 8.25%. The funds raised would be used to support emergency services and meet the growing needs of the District as the county continues to grow. 🗳️ Election Day : Saturday, May 3, 2025 | Early voting was completed April 21–29, 2025. Addressing Emergency Services Needs in a Growing Williamson County As one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, Williamson County is placing increasing demands on its emergency response systems. A local sales and use tax provides a way to help fund essential emergency services without increasing property tax rates. This approach supports long-term financial sustainability for WCESD 9 while continuing to meet the public safety needs of the community. How Sales Tax Funds Will Be Used The revenue from the sales tax would go towards: Meeting Rising Demand for Emergency Services : Williamson County has grown by approximately 20%, making it one of the fastest-growing counties in the nation. As development expands beyond city limits into rural areas, the need for well-coordinated emergency services increases. Enhancing Wildland and Search & Rescue Resources : A modernized regional approach to wildland firefighting and search and rescue operations improves response times and interagency coordination. Mitigating Risks in Wildland and Greenbelt Areas : Extended droughts and severe weather events have heightened fire risks for property owners. For details on polling locations, FAQs, ballot language, and more, visit our Elections page: https://www.wilcoesd9.org/election-information To learn more about the proposed sales tax measure and its impact on local emergency services, read Community Impact's coverage here: https://communityimpact.com
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