LLANO COUNTY — The Sunrise Beach Fire Department (SBFD) and Llano County Emergency Services District No. 5 (ESD 5), operational since January 2023, updated the Llano County Commissioners Court on May 27, 2025, highlighting significant progress in services across their 50-square-mile District.

SBFD/ESD 5 President Karl Wolfe and Fire Chief Patrick Cates detailed advancements in the district, which spans Sunrise Beach Village, communities along the Llano River in Kingsland, and ranches along RR 2900, RR 2233, and State Highway 71. Prior to ESD 5’s formation, the Sunrise Beach Volunteer Fire Department (SBVFD) served as the provider of fire and first-responder services. Wolfe underscored the continued partnership with SBVFD, stating, “The relationship between the VFD and ESD is vital, and our collaboration and recent progress has helped to improve services for all district residents.” 

Formed to ensure sustainable fire and first-responder services, ESD 5 has provided stable funding to support the Department’s growth. Chief Cates, hired in June 2024, has worked closely with SBVFD leadership, including Deputy Chief Dan Gower and President Don Black, to merge the volunteer-based SBVFD into the new SBFD/ESD 5 structure, emphasizing personnel, facilities, and operations. A key achievement was gaining compliance with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection, allowing SBFD to become a regulated Department and carefully integrate career firefighters with volunteers.

Over the past year, SBFD/ESD 5 responded to more than 210 calls with an average response time of under four minutes—a 50% increase in call volume over two years. “This is a tremendous accomplishment for our new combination career/volunteer department,” Cates said.

Renovations are progressing at the main fire station at 200 Sunrise Drive, including the addition of dormitory facilities for up to four career firefighters to support 24/7 coverage. ESD 5 also recently acquired a refurbished rescue pumper, set for delivery by early summer, to bolster “all-hazards” response capabilities.

Operationally, SBFD has enhanced coordination with regional partners, with 90% of calls within the district and 10% supporting mutual aid. “Partnering with nearby departments is a must in rural Texas Hill Country,” Cates noted. These achievements signal robust long-term planning for ESD 5 and SBFD.