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(THOMAS WALLNER | THE GRAHAM LEADER) A Graham Fire Department firefighter sprays water at a home on the corner of Plum and Second Street. GFD and other adjoining county fire departments received grants from the Texas A&M Forest Service in February for equipment and training aids.
Fire departments in Young County and surrounding counties were awarded grants last month for equipment from Texas A&M Forest Service.
The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (RVFDAP) assists volunteer fire departments with the purchase of equipment and training. Texas A&M Forest Service (TAMFS) awarded a third round of equipment grants this year Friday, Feb. 13.
“With this funding from the legislature, we’ve been able to expedite the awards schedule to cover the list of unfunded requests,” said Jason Keiningham, TAMFS capacity building department head. “This provides support to some fire departments that may have been on waiting lists for years.”
TAMFS approved approximately $14 million in grants to Texas volunteer fire departments, with departments from Young, Stephens, Jack and Palo Pinto counties awarded funding.
The Graham City Council approved accepting the award from the TAMFS during their meeting Thursday, March 5.
“This is a grant to purchase what is referred to as bunker gear by our firefighters. These items include special overcoats, pants, boots and helmets and related equipment that protect our fire rescue personnel when they bravely defend our city from fires and assist those in need and care,” City Manager Eric Garretty said.
The city manager said GFD applied for the grant over four years ago and were notified recently about the city being awarded the funding.
“The city match for this grant is minimal. The acceptance of this grant will allow our fire rescue department to procure sorely needed replacement gear,” Garretty said.
The 89th Texas Legislature approved $192 million to TAMFS through RVFDAP to provide to fire departments throughout the state.
The first two rounds of funding awards were in October, with $164 million awarded for 558 fire trucks and 321 slip-on units or mobile water systems and an additional $17.6 million was awarded in December for rescue equipment and dry hydrants.
County Grant Awards
Young County
• Graham Fire Department
Personal protective equipment - $25,000
Stephens County
• Hubbard Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Training aids - $10,000
Jack County
• Jacksboro Fire Department
Personal protective equipment - $25,000
• Jermyn Volunteer Fire Department
Personal protective equipment - $25,000
• East Jack County Volunteer Fire Department
Personal protective equipment - $25,000
Training aids - $10,000
Palo Pinto County
• Graford Emergency Fire District
Training aids - $10,000
• Possum Kingdom Westside VFD
Training aids - $10,000
• Strawn VFD
Personal protective equipment - $25,000
