Our Story
In 1968, growth within the Aldine Community necessitated the founding of the Aldine Fire Department. The department first started and operated out of a residential home. The Mace, Maxwell, Turrentine, and other families scrapped together donated money, trucks, and parts to build and operate the fire apparatus. During this time, Aldine flourished through the hard work and dedication of volunteers and the generosity of the community. Aldine built its first fire station on Aldine Bender in 1971, which was expanded and renovated in 1985.
In 2000, the state formed Rural Fire Protection Districts (RFPD) to aid areas with funding and equipment needs. RFPD No. 24 was formed to operate Aldine Fire Department and assist with the purchase of the department’s first factory-built fire truck. By this time, the department had grown to 120 volunteers. By 2004, the state had transitioned RFPDs to Emergency Service Districts (ESDs). With the development of the ESD, RFPD No. 24, now Harris County ESD No. 24, created the statutory ability to levy taxes for fire protection funding. The Aldine Fire Department was rebranded to Aldine Fire & Rescue, which then contracted with Harris County ESD No. 24 for fire protection and emergency services within District boundaries.
Today, Aldine Fire & Rescue/ Harris County ESD No. 24 covers 19 square miles, protecting a residential population of nearly 40,000 and property values over $8.2 billion. The department currently consists of 45 full-time and 22 part-time Firefighter/EMT’s operating from 4 fire stations utilizing 11 pieces of specialty fire and emergency services apparatus. The department is also supported by an administrative staff of 5 highly qualified professionals. In 2024, the department is on pace to more than 3,000 calls for service. The Board of Commissioners and our staff would like to express their deep appreciation for those who came before us and for the overwhelming support received to this day from our community.