JAMAICA BEACH VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Jamaica Beach Volunteer Fire Department (JBVFD) is a certified First Responder organization with Advanced Life Support (ALS) capabilities founded in 1976. JBVFD is a 501(c)(3) 100% volunteer-based organization dedicated to the safety of the citizens of Jamaica Beach and to the safety of everyone who lives or visits the West end of Galveston Island. JBVFD is certified under the State Fireman’s and Fire Marshal’s Association (SFFMA) and all Firefighters are certified SFFMA Firefighter 1 or higher.
JBVFD has 34 active volunteer firefighters operating a 2010 Class A Pumper, a 1998 Class A Pumper, a 2004 105’ Platform Aerial, a 2000 Medium Rescue Truck, a 2017 Light Rescue Truck, a 2011 Brush Truck, a 21’ SeaLegs Amphibious rescue boat, a 2017 Tow Vehicle, 2 jet skis with rescue sleds, and two 2020 command vehicles that are BLS capable.
JBVFD has an automatic mutual aid agreement with the Galveston Fire Department for all structure fires on the West end of Galveston Island, and conversely, GFD will assist JBVFD with structure fires in Jamaica Beach.
JBVFD is a founding member of the Galveston Marine Response (GMR) which is made up of first responders from JBVFD, Galveston Island Beach Patrol, Galveston Fire Department, Galveston Police Department, Schlitterbahn Water Park, and Texas State Park Police. The GMR is set up to operate in any water-related emergency under the direction of the Galveston Emergency Operations Center. JBVFD will respond to any water-related rescue on the West end of Galveston Island. Additionally, we perform water rescue/searches in West Bay as mutual aid to the United States Coast Guard.
Jamaica Beach VFD is funded entirely by private donations and grants.