Texas City Sues Fire Department Over Apparatus Titles

The City of Howardwick, Texas has filed suit against the Howardwick Volunteer Fire Department to prevent the fire department from placing the titles and registrations for its apparatus in the fire department’s name. The suit was filed last week in Donley County District Court.

The fire department, which according to the complaint appears to have operated for decades as a municipal agency, was issued its own corporate charter in March, 2018. In February, 2019 the fire department began transferring title to its apparatus from the city to the fire department. The city became aware of the title transfers and filed suit accusing the fire department of conversion (a fancy way of saying they took something that was not theirs) and unjust enrichment. Citing concerns over lack of insurance coverage the city also sought a temporary restraining order.

Here is a copy of the complaint:

Here is a copy of a press release issued by the city:

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