ESD 4 Honors 95 Years of Service, Approves New EMS Station Near Lake Rayburn

Photos and Videos by Rita Shipp

Pictured: Jim McCallie, Sam Job, and Steve Seale for their combined 95 years of dedicated service. Not Pictured: Ed O'Brien. Custom helmets were provided by Casco Industries.

Jasper County Emergency Services District No. 4 (ESD 4) held its monthly board meeting on Thursday, June 26, at the Jasper Fire Department Station 2, and the evening began with a heartfelt celebration of dedication and service.

The ESD 4 Board honored four long-time commissioners for their unwavering commitment to emergency services in Jasper County. Commissioners Sam Job, Steve Seale, Ed O’Brien, and Jim McCallie were each recognized for their years of service — totaling 95 years combined.

Custom helmets, each bearing the recipient’s name, service years, and the Jasper County ESD 4 badge, were presented in honor of their contributions. The commemorative helmets were generously provided by Casco Industries.

Accepting the helmet on behalf of Ed O’Brien was Randy Bridges of Lake Rayburn VFD.

Following the awards, the board unanimously approved the construction of a new EMS station to be built on property owned by the Jasper Hospital District, located near the Total Care at the Lake clinic on Sam Rayburn Parkway (Recreation Road 255).

The upcoming EMS station is a joint effort between Jasper County ESD 4, the Jasper Hospital District, and the Jasper County Development District No. 1. The project is expected to cost approximately $200,000, with completion anticipated by the end of 2025.

ESD 4 board leadership emphasized that the new station will strengthen emergency response coverage in the rapidly expanding Lake Rayburn area.

Once operational, the station will be staffed by a paramedic and EMT and will house a Type 1 EMS unit provided by Allegiance Mobile Health, the district’s current EMS contractor.

The new EMS station builds on recent improvements in the area’s healthcare infrastructure.

Over the past year:

• The Jasper Hospital District opened Total Care at the Lake, a family medicine clinic staffed by Terri Cheeley, PA.

• The Jasper County Development District No. 1 funded a new medical helicopter landing pad adjacent to the clinic and the future EMS site.

Together, these additions are forming a small but impactful medical hub aimed at improving healthcare delivery in northern Jasper County.

During the meeting, the board also:

• Approved minutes from the May 22 meeting, the treasurer’s report, and payment of current bills.

• Voted to approve HSI Training Center status.

• Discussed sealed bids for banking services.

• Reviewed a possible brush/rescue truck chassis purchase for Lake Rayburn VFD.

• Set plans to schedule the 2025 budget workshop.

• Received updates on utilities, engineering, and contractor planning for future district projects.

With continued collaboration between local districts and emergency service leaders, Jasper County ESD 4 remains focused on expanding resources, honoring those who serve, and meeting the growing needs of its communities — one investment at a time.