MVFD is located on State Highway 6 which turns out was a major route for people escaping from Hurricane Rita.  MVFD opened it's doors as a rest stop to help give the fatigued drivers some much needed rest.   Although our fire department was not the only organization involved we would like to thank the citizens and businesses of Marlin and Falls County that opened their hearts as well as their homes to help these people in their time of need. It was truly a wonderful sight to see everyone in our community pull together in a time of need! Here are some pictures of the rest stop.

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Here is our pumper with the banner that Wes Hardin, the owner of Designer Outlaw Graphics, donated to the cause.

Not only did we have a rest stop but we had a small repair shop.  A couple from the Houston area had a small problem with some burnt wires, but with help from our own Asst. Chief, a firefighter from Chilton VFD and some parts donated by Gafford's Auto Parts we had them back on the road.

Falls County Emergency Management Mobile Operations Unit setting up shop for the storms and high winds Falls County was supposed to get, but never did due to the course change of the hurricane.

Judge Lawless, her husband and Kristen Lyons making signs for the highway.

The more signs the better.

Some of the wonderful citizens of Marlin that came to help distribute the donated food and drinks.

Here is Constable James Maxey who was hiding behind Rob in the last picture. Constable Maxey is also the Chief of the Chilton VFD.

Jason Compton: Operations Manager of Falls County EMS.  Jason served as the liaison between the Emergency Operations Center and the volunteers.

From left-right: Emergency Management Coordinator Rob Douglas, Editor of The Marlin Democrat Louis Cooper, President of Falls County EMS Jim Lyons.

The role of the Emergency Operations Center was to coordinate shelter space with surrounding counties and coordinate incoming supplies from within the county for the evacuees.

More Volunteers... More Food!!!

As night time fell upon us...Evacuees started setting up tents in the field next to the fire station.

All of the Hotels and Shelters were full so we made the best of it with our own informal shelter.

Home away from home.

Making the best of a bad situation.

Some of the children drew pictures and sign their names on paper.