Two area fire departments received grants from Texas A&M
Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
Burkburnett Volunteer Fire Department received a grant for new rescue equipment, while the City of Graham
FD received a grant for a slip-on unit.
A slip-on unit is designed to enhance a fire department’s firefighting capabilities. The slip-on unit is built for
the rigors of the fire service and easily mounted in the back of a pick-up truck or a custom built bed and is
especially effective in handling wildland, vehicle and structure fires.
Water rescue gear and rescue stabilization equipment were among the equipment received by Burkburnett VFD.
“We are pleased to have the stabilization equipment that will be beneficial when responding to auto accidents,”
Burkburnett Chief Rodney Ryalls said. “The equipment can be used to stabilize overturned vehicles, large
machines and also has the capability to be used as a tripod for confined space rescue.”
The equipment will make it safer for Burkburnett volunteer firefighters and victims.
In Graham, the new slip-on provides a more functional truck than the previous unit they had.
“This unit is replacing an older, smaller unit designed for only one specific task,” Texas A&M Forest Service
Regional Fire Coordinator Regan Reser said. “This skid unit will be much more versatile and the vehicle it’s
mounted on can now be utilized in many more situations, so it should greatly increase the usability and provide
a better response to the community, while adding to the safety of all the department’s members.”
Graham VFD Chief Jerry David is appreciative of the grant programs, saying that the department could not
afford new equipment otherwise.
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.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.