Briggs Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $15,000 grant for
rescue equipment through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The new equipment purchased through the cost-share program includes a hydraulic cutter, spreader, struts,
jacks, and power supplies.
“This new equipment is replacing 10-year-old second-hand equipment,” Briggs VFD Chief Landon Renfro said.
The equipment, commonly called the Jaws of Life, is battery powered so there are no cords or hoses to hinder
the extraction set up.
“The biggest asset is speed. The tools enable the set up for the extrication process to be quicker which allows
the responder to start working to get a victim out of the vehicle faster. With this type of emergency call every
second counts,” said Renfro.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through the Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program, a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature and administered
by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural VFDs for the acquisition of firefighting
vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter
training.
To learn more about the fire department assistance programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit
http://texasfd.com.