Richmond, TX, Fire's Mutual Aid to Fort Bend County in Limbo

Although the agreement expired last year, Richmond fire and EMS crews are responding to calls in the county.

Nov. 19, 2025

When the tones drop for a call in Fort Bend County, firefighters and EMS crews from Richmond respond.

But that mutual aid response is in limbo as Richmond officials say the county's check for about $700,000 isn't in the mail.

“We were being paid $350,000 a year to provide services to those areas,” Fire Chief Mike Legoudas told KPRC.

The agreement expired in 2024, but Richmond crews still cross the line to provide service.

County officials counter that they've made an in-kind contribution, a ladder truck valued at more than $1 million. But the city said there was no agreement involved.

But, the rig hasn't been built and may not be ready for several years.

If an agreement isn't reached by Nov. 26, city leaders warn response changes are likely.

About the Author

Susan Nicol

News Editor

Susan Nicol is the news editor for Firehouse.com. She is a life member and active with the Brunswick Volunteer Ambulance & Rescue Company, Oxford Fire Company and Brunswick Vol. Fire Co. Susie has been an EMT in Maryland since 1976. Susie is vice-president of the Frederick County Fire/Rescue Museum. She is on the executive committee of Frederick County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association. She also is part of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) Region II EMS Council. Susie is a board member of the American Trauma Society, Maryland Division. Prior to joining the Firehouse team, she was a staff writer for The Frederick News-Post, covering fire, law enforcement, court and legislative issues.