Bremond Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $15,000 grant for rescue
equipment through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance Program.
“We applied for this grant to help pay for much needed equipment,” Assistant Chief Keith Rakieta said.
Bremond VFD purchased a thermal imaging camera, heavy-duty lights, a gas detector and rescue chain saws to
replace their older rescue equipment.
“While our old equipment was functioning, we had had it for upwards of 14 years,” Rakieta said.
Seeking to keep up with new technology, the department purchased a thermal imaging camera with color
display rather than the old black and white one.
“The new thermal imaging camera helps us successfully find hot spots in building fires,” Rakieta said. “This
allows us to carry out more efficient search and rescue missions in building fires and preserves the safety of
our fire fighters.”
According to Rakieta, the thermal imaging camera and the rescue chainsaws are a powerful pair.
“The chainsaws help us to maintain proper ventilation in a structure fire,” Rakieta said.
The new chainsaws are specifically designed for fire service use. They are more powerful and are equipped
with chains capable of cutting through roofing materials.
“Serving 350 square miles and 3,500 people, it is in everyone’s best interest that our rescue equipment stays up
to date and functional,” Rakieta said.
Over 85 percent of fire departments in Texas are either completely or mostly operated by volunteers. TFS
passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state each year, helping
them purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
“Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance program is an outstanding program,” Rekieta said. “It has
helped us tremendously over the years and we look forward to the opportunity to use it in the future.”
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.