ETOILE, Texas — With the help of a $13,000 grant provided by Texas A&M Forest Service, Etoile VFD
purchased a new slip-on unit and is now better equipped to protect the community.
The slip-on unit replaced an older model and comes with the added capability of a foam system and
several hose reels to help efficiently fight fires.
“I think it’s fantastic what TFS does to help departments,” said Bobby Smith, Etoile VFD interim chief. “We
also get a lot of equipment through the Helping Hands programs so TFS has been very helpful to us.”
The cost-share grant is administered through the TFS Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance.
Program. The program assists VFDs like Etoile in securing equipment and training to enhance their
emergency response capabilities.
“This new unit helps them to be better equipped to provide fire protection to their community. This directly
falls into our mission of protecting the state citizens and natural resources, said James Russell, TFS
resource specialist.
The Etoile VFD award is among the $12.8 million passed through TFS to Texas volunteer fire
departments each year.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.