BELLEVUE, Texas –– With the help of both the DoD Firefighter Property Program (FFP) and the Rural VFD
Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service, Bellevue VFD is now more prepared to
respond to emergencies.
BVFD was recently awarded an $18,000 grant from TFS to purchase a new slip-on unit that they then placed
on a five-ton military truck received through the FFP program.
“We needed to enhance our capabilities to fight grass fires,” Fire Chief Mark Hanson said. “We serve over 100
square miles and provide mutual aid to about 500 more square miles.”
The Capacity Building Department within TFS provides eligible VFDs such as Bellevue with programs designed
to enhance their ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards.
“Both the FFP and 2604 grant programs are great,” Hanson said. “Our department couldn’t exist at the level we do
now without these programs.”
Over 85% of fire departments in the state of Texas are either completely or mostly operated by volunteers. TFS
passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state every year, helping them
purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.