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After being awarded a $100,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service, South LeeCo. Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase a new brush truck to better serve its district andsurrounding areas.The VFD used this grant to upgrade from an old 1982 model truck, which they have been using since thedepartment started up. “This is an […]

Many volunteer fire departments struggle with funding when it comes to getting thenecessary equipment for serving and protecting their communities. Thanks to an $82,100 grant fromTexas A&M Forest Service, Three Oaks VFD purchased a new brush truck to replace one of its olderunits. “We didn’t have enough money to spend on a brand new truck,” […]

A new set of rescue tools for Kountze Volunteer Fire Department will mean faster and saferextrication from auto accidents. The tools were acquired through a $15,000 grant administered by Texas A&MForest Service. “The set of tools we were using before were over 30 years old,” Fire Chief Barry Mitchell said. “With the grant wewere able […]

WELLMAN, Texas — A $200,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service enabled Wellman Volunteer Fire Department toretire an old 1981 model fire truck with the addition of a brand new brush truck. “We are funded partly through the county, but our city is not connected to our fire department in any way, so all of […]

AQUA DULCE, Texas — For the Nueces Jim Wells County Emergency Service District #5 Volunteer Fire Department, a new tanker meant the difference in having to rely on mutual aid for on-scene water supplyand being able to provide it themselves. A grant in the amount of $200,000 from Texas A&M Forest Service helped the VFD […]

WELLS, Texas — A $17,300 grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service helped Wells VolunteerFire Department update one of its trucks with a new slip-on unit. “We had an older skid unit on an ‘86 model truck that was donated by a member of the community,” FireChief Robert Kalka said. “We were able to put […]

BLACKWELL, Texas — An $18,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service helped Blackwell VolunteerFire Department purchase a new slip-on unit for one of their trucks. “We were in need of a new brush truck,” Fire Chief Randy Pieper said. “We put the slip-on unit on one ofour rescue trucks to update it.” The rescue truck […]

For the Nueces Jim Wells County Emergency Service District #5 Volunteer Fire Department, a new tanker meant the difference in having to rely on mutual aid for on-scene water supplyand being able to provide it themselves. A grant in the amount of $200,000 from Texas A&M Forest Service helped the VFD its first tanker. “We […]

Texans from around the state converged at the state capitol Friday to celebrate Texas’ 125th State Arbor Day. With shovels in hand, local and state officials ceremoniously put mulch around a newly-planted tree on the Capitol lawn, formalizing the celebration and leaving a permanent place mark commemorating the event.

Hundreds of Texas A&M Forest Service employees convened Tuesday at the Bell County Expo Center for their annual personnel meeting.