HSC Fire Departments
Hot Spring County firefighters are put to the test every day, whether it be putting out a structure fire, assisting with a swift water rescue, or offering critical medical aid before paramedics make it to a scene. They are highly skilled to offer the most comprehensive assistance—firefighters in HSC don’t just put out fires, that’s for sure.
These heroes are extensively trained and are often called to aid in fire prevention and suppression, motor vehicle accidents, hazardous materials response, medical first response, technical rescue and extrication, and swift water rescues. Many people don’t realize that when 911 is called, the fire department is often the first agency on the scene and can mean the difference between life and death for someone caught up in an emergency.
Fire Chief Jeremy Harper leads a core group of dedicated full-time, part-time, and volunteer firefighters serving the Malvern Fire Department. Their mission statement reads: “It is the mission of the Malvern Fire Department to protect the public safety from the effects of fire and other emergencies.”
And the job never ends—just today, the Malvern FD went on two calls regarding a structure fire, one call regarding an illegal burn, and one motor vehicle accident. Some days are less eventful than others, but the Malvern Fire Dept. stays alert and active round the clock to protect the city.
Outside the city limits, the rest of the county is served by an amazing troupe of volunteers at numerous stations throughout the region, including Ouachita Volunteer Fire Dept., several offices of the Glen Rose Fire District, New Deroche VFD, Rockport/mount Willow VFD, Lono-rolla VFD, South Malvern Rural FD, Bonnerdale VFD, Morning Star FD, 70 West Fire & Rescue, Poyen Fire Dept., Perla Fire Dept., Bismarck Main Station, Bismarck Willow Road Station, Point Cedar Volunteer Fire Station, Magnet Cove FD, and several supplemental substations.
According to www.countyoffice.org, there are a total of 25 fire departments throughout Hot Spring County that are tasked with serving and protecting over 33,000 residents in an area spanning about 616 square miles. These firefighters work closely with other first responder agencies to provide the quickest and most critical care to all types of emergency calls.
The firefighters in Hot Spring County have great working relationships with local police, deputies and paramedics. They’re all on the same side and rely on the professionalism and adept skill of their counterparts to save lives. Quick and cooperative response is especially important in HSC, because many residents live in outlying areas that take a long time to get to, so whoever is first to the scene makes treating and saving potential victims their common priority.
The brave and selfless firefighters of Hot Spring County don’t ask for or expect a pat on the back, but they are real, live heroes walking among us and deserve this literary salute.
For more information about the Malvern Fire Department, visit www.malvernar.gov or call 501-332-7611, and for more information about a particular station or area in Hot Spring County, check with the Hot Spring County Department of Emergency Management website or call 501-332-4911.