Travis County Emergency Services District 12: Protecting a Growing Community

Manor, Texas — Tucked along the fast-growing northeast corridor of Travis County, Travis County Emergency Services District 12 (TCESD12) has become much more than a fire department. It reflects the community it serves: dedicated, determined, and evolving.

From the bustle of Manor to the quiet backroads of Webberville, TCESD12 firefighters stand ready around the clock to respond to fires, medical calls, rescues, and severe weather emergencies across roughly 95 square miles. What began in 1996 as a small rural department has grown into a fully staffed, career emergency services agency known for its skill, compassion, and commitment to public safety.

 

Our People: Service With Heart

At the heart of TCESD12 is its team of professional firefighters. Whether suppressing fires, performing life-saving rescues, or spending time teaching fire safety in schools, these men and women embody what it means to serve. Their dedication is matched by a focus on community engagement, making the department both a protector and a neighbor.

“Serving this community is an honor every single day,” said Interim Fire Chief Chris McKenzie. “Our firefighters are part of the neighborhoods they protect. Whether it’s responding to a fire, assisting with a medical call, or visiting a local school, we take pride in being there for people when they need us most.”

 

Excellence Recognized: ISO Ratings

Travis County ESD 12 has earned a split-class Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), a national organization that evaluates fire departments. Within the city limits of Manor, the department holds a Class 2/2Y rating, while the unincorporated areas of the district are rated Class 3/3Y.

ISO ratings measure a department’s ability to respond to emergencies, including staffing, training, equipment, water supply, and community risk reduction. The lower the number, the better the rating. TCESD12’s ratings place it in the top 15 percent of all ISO-rated fire departments in Texas, signaling excellence in preparedness and capability.

For residents, this has a direct benefit: insurance providers often consider ISO scores when determining premiums. A high-performing department like TCESD12 can help reduce property insurance costs while ensuring fast, professional emergency response.

 

Responding to a Growing Region

Northeast Travis County is one of the fastest-expanding areas in the Austin metro region, bringing both opportunity and challenge. New homes, schools, and businesses mean more people to protect and more emergencies to respond to.

To meet that demand, TCESD12 currently operates from four stations, with a fifth fire station and headquarters facility nearing completion to support growing operations. The state-of-the-art, 27,174-square-foot new facility is designed to support both operational and administrative personnel and will provide space for training, administrative operations, and future personnel as call volumes continue to rise.

TCESD12 Station Locations:

• Station 1201: 405 West Parson Street, Manor, TX
• Station 1202: 19515 Hog Eye Road, Manor, TX
• Station 1203: 11200 Gregg Lane, Manor, TX
• Station 1204 (opening May 15, 2026): 12701 E US Highway 290, Manor, TX
• Station 1205: 14312 Hunters Bend Road, Austin, TX

During 2024, TCESD12 firefighters answered 5,216 emergency calls, providing critical care and protection to the community.

 

Fire Prevention and Community Education

Much of TCESD12’s work happens before the alarm sounds. The Fire Prevention Division works closely with schools, businesses, and residents to educate the community about fire safety and preparedness. Firefighters regularly host station tours, participate in community events, and partner with local schools to inspire future first responders.

“Education is one of the most important parts of what we do,” said Deputy Fire Marshal Bill Carlson. “If we can prevent a fire, teach someone how to stay safe, or guide a child toward becoming a future firefighter, that’s a success for the whole community.”

 

Community Connection and Social Media

TCESD12 also connects with the community online. Through social media, residents can access safety tips, incident updates, and behind-the-scenes looks at life in the firehouse. These posts do more than educate; they give the public a sense of connection to the people behind the bunker gear.

Followers get updates on road closures during emergencies, helping them avoid traffic, while also enjoying glimpses of firefighters at work and at play in the station. From training exercises and daily routines to moments of humor and camaraderie, social media showcases the human side of the department, building trust and a sense of shared community pride.

 

Training, Teamwork, and Preparedness

Behind every call is a firefighter who has spent countless hours preparing for the unpredictable. TCESD12’s all-hazard approach equips crews for structure fires, hazardous materials incidents, technical rescues, and severe weather events.

Mutual aid partnerships with neighboring agencies ensure that large-scale emergencies are handled efficiently. The department’s teamwork, skill, and professionalism have made it a trusted partner throughout Travis County.

 

Committed to the Community

As TCESD12 looks to the future, its focus remains clear: serving the community with skill, dedication, and heart. From the firefighters on the front lines to the prevention and education teams behind the scenes, every member of the department is committed to keeping northeast Travis County safe.

“With modern facilities, advanced training, and a deep connection to the community, TCESD12 is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow,” said Interim Fire Chief Chris McKenzie. “We are proud to be a trusted, familiar presence in the neighborhoods we serve.”

 

Stay connected with TCESD12 for the latest news, safety tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life at the firehouse. Follow @TCESD12 on Facebook and Instagram.