Cheek Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $12,354 grant
for rescue equipment through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance
Program.
Among the new equipment purchased through the cost-share program were Jaws of Life, a spreader and a ram;
all of which are a first for the department.
Cheek VFD Chief Kenneth Duhon said that the department, which is only two miles from Interstate 10, has
never been able to respond to auto accidents before, since they did not have the proper equipment. “Now we’re
able to rescue individuals pinned in vehicles,” Duhon said.
The department has put the equipment into service, and trained members on proper use. They are standing ready
when called upon.
Cheek VFD serves a population of approximately 3,500 people over 28 square miles of area that could use
some more community support, according to Duhon. “This is a fairly low income area. Without Texas A&M
Forest Service’s grant, we would not be able to afford this equipment.”
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.