As of October 1^st, 2024, Llano County ESD #5 has been awarded status as a Combination Paid / Volunteer Fire Department by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP). The new organization is known as the Sunrise Beach Fire Department / Llano County Emergency Services District #5. In September, the new organization was inspected by the Texas Commission on Fire Protection for compliance with statewide standards for Combination Paid / Volunteer Fire Departments. Inspections were made to the department’s equipment, including the self-contained breathing apparatus, fire hose, equipment requiring annual safety inspections, and other required equipment. Chief Patrick Cates, LCESD#5 and Don Black, SBVFD, worked tirelessly to bring the organization into compliance with TCFP regulations prior to the inspection. The department now meets statewide standards for fire departments with both paid career personnel and volunteers.