The Llano County Emergency Services District 3, also known locally as the Llano Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD), is committed to improving community safety through effective disaster support and emergency response initiatives.

An Emergency Services District (ESD) is a locally established governmental entity created by voters to ensure funding and delivery of essential emergency response services, including fire protection, fire suppression, and emergency medical response. These Texas Emergency Services Districts play a crucial role in community safety, particularly in rural and unincorporated areas of Texas. For example, the Llano County ESD 3 works closely with the Llano Volunteer Fire Department to provide disaster support and vital services. Currently, over 300 ESDs are 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. While volunteer firefighting efforts likely began informally prior to this, the Llano Volunteer Fire Department has since evolved into a modern entity 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 550 square miles of surrounding rural area with about 2,500 residents, the LVFD plays a vital role in local preparedness. The Texas Emergency Services District 3 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 community safety but also laid the foundation for effective emergency response within the Texas Emergency Services District. 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 services provided by the Llano Volunteer Fire Department. This department operates under a partnership between the Llano County ESD 3 and the City of Llano, offering disaster support and mutual aid to neighboring counties as needed. Key leaders include Fire Chief David Gilliland and a Board of Commissioners, all committed to enhancing community safety within the framework of Texas Emergency Services District.

The Llano Volunteer Fire Department (LVFD) actively promotes community safety by hosting various events and fundraisers, including the popular annual Fish Fry at their South Side station. In line with their dedication to emergency response and disaster support, the department also conducts monthly training sessions every 4th Tuesday, which feature practical hands-on drills to enhance their readiness as part of the Texas Emergency Services District.