The Llano County Emergency Services District #3, commonly referred to as the Llano Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing community safety through disaster support and emergency response. Our nonprofit status was established in 2014 to help the Llano County ESD3 receive valuable donations and grants.

An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a locally established governmental entity created by voters to ensure funding and delivery of essential emergency response services such as fire protection, fire suppression, and emergency medical response. ESDs play a crucial role in community safety, particularly in rural and unincorporated areas of Texas. For instance, the Llano County ESD3 collaborates closely with the Llano Volunteer Fire Department to provide disaster support and vital services. Currently, there are over 300 ESDs operating throughout the state, serving more than 10 million Texans—a number that continues to grow each year.

The Llano Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) was officially established in 1927 with the completion of its first fire station, marking the formal founding year of the department as an organized entity dedicated to community safety in the City of Llano and the surrounding areas. Although volunteer firefighting efforts likely began informally prior to this, LVFD has since evolved into a modern department deeply committed to emergency response and disaster support. Serving the City of Llano, which has a population of approximately 4,000, as well as roughly 650 square miles of surrounding rural area with about 2,500 residents, the LVFD plays a vital role in local preparedness. The Llano County ESD3 values its strong partnership with the City of Llano, which provides two city-owned buildings—one on each side of the Llano River—for our operations. This collaboration enhances ESD#3's ability to serve the entire community effectively, ensuring improved coverage and response times.

In its beginning, the Llano Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) relied on hand-me-down or refurbished equipment, often restored by volunteers themselves, which helped establish a strong sense of community ownership and volunteer spirit. This grassroots origin not only fostered local pride in public safety but also laid the foundation for effective community safety and emergency response. Today, Llano County ESD#3 operates a variety of apparatus to enhance disaster support, including: Tender 398: 2022 Freightliner 3000 gallons, Tender 361: 2002 International 1800 gallons, Brush Truck 353: 2023 F-450, Brush Truck 354: 2016 F-450, Brush Truck 355: 2009 F-450, Brush Truck 360: 2007 F-350, UTV 357: Kawasaki Mule 70 gallon tank, Command Unit 400: 2009 Chevy Suburban, Service Truck 359: 2001 F-550, and Rescue Truck 401: 1995 GMC Top Kick.

Our team consists of experienced and trained volunteers dedicated to ensuring community safety through exceptional Emergency Response Services. The Llano Volunteer Fire Department operates under a partnership between Llano County ESD3 and the City of Llano, providing disaster support and mutual aid to neighboring counties as needed. Key leaders include Fire Chief David Gilliland and a Board of Commissioners.