Our History

Little Elm Box 620 Support Company was organized in 2002 and incorporated in 2004 as a Texas non-profit 501(c)(3). Quickly, services expanded to serve other towns in Denton County, where the needs were increasing and emergency departments were growing to meet them. The population of the Town of Little Elm had more than tripled from 2002 to 2009, and Denton County experienced a 47% increase from 2000 to 2008. The Little Elm Fire Department went from volunteer to over 30 full-time staff.

The increase in the Denton County population demanded more from emergency services. The well-being, safety and health of our firefighters and emergency personnel who serve us everyday became a greater concern.

According to the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), half of all fire fatalities are cardiac or stress-related. To address this issue, the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), working with the IAFF, established guidelines to prevent serious and potentially life-threatening situations as Emergency Incident Rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation, or “fireground rehab”, refers to the care given to firefighters and other responders while performing their duties at an emergency scene. Rehab includes monitoring vital signs, rehydration, nourishment, and rest for responders between assignments.

Ideally, rehabilitation should take place any time emergency operations pose a risk to departmental personnel. However, small departments, like those across Denton County, often cannot allocate resources for dedicated rehab staff and supplies.

As a solution to the need for formal rehab services, Box 620 was able and eager to
serve. Over the past eight years, the organization has responded to an average
of 43 calls per year within Denton County. Members are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and are contacted by the Denton County Sheriff's Office when needed.

In 2007, Channel 8 News donated a 1991 van to Box 620. The vehicle was overhauled to become our response vehicle to carry ice chests, tables, tents, and other supplies. The CoServ Charitable Foundation provided a generator and two radios
for monitoring dispatch calls. Additional grants from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety
Foundation provided for valuable equipment, including two monitors, a misting fan and safety vests.

In 2010, we purchased a 1996 diesel shuttle bus and converted it into our second response vehicle. In addition to transporting our rehab equipment and volunteers, Rehab 2 also provides on-scene shelter and restroom facilities.

Box 620 responded to 62 calls this past year, serving in 10 different cities. We anticipate exceeding 75 calls in 2012.