China VFD

Photos by Mark M. Hancock / © The Beaumont Enterprise

Kibodeaux family members (from left to right) Phillip, Joe, Tytus and Katlynn pose for a portrait at the China Volunteer Fire Department station in China on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2008. The VFD is mostly staffed by Kibodeaux family members.


Engine 5 remains inside the China Volunteer Fire Department barn in China. The Kibodeaux family started the VFD after losing a house to fire in 1963 because it took too long for firefighters from other communities to arrive.



Engine 1 remains at the China Volunteer Fire Department barn. The department started with one donated oil field truck. All fire engines - some running, some not - have been donated by area municipalities and businesses with fire departments.


A former Texas Forest Service truck awaits use at the China Volunteer Fire Department barn. The VFD got the truck after Hurricane Rita.


Two engines rest inside the China Volunteer Fire Department barn in China. The VFD tried to establish an emergency service district. The district would have provided a tax to generate income to support the department. It was defeated by two percent.

The China Volunteer Fire Department will hold a gumbo benefit to support the department at 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 10 at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in China.

Please read "Generations of family..." by Sarah Moore.