Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department added new rescue equipment thanks to a $20,000 cost
share grant through the HB2604 Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas
A&M Forest Service.
“We are grateful for this grant that helped purchase a battery powered Jaws of Life,” said Dalhart VFD Fire
Chief Curtis Brown. “The volunteers trained on the operation of the new tools and soon after were called on to
use them when there was a two car wreck with four individuals trapped in the vehicles.”
According to Brown the rescue equipment allows for quicker response which is more reassuring to the trapped
victim. The tools will be used primarily for vehicle accidents or agricultural rescue.
“I would encourage all VFDs to take time to apply for the HB2604 and other grants that Texas A&M Forest
Service has to offer,” said Brown. “These grants will help increase small fire department’s capacity to better
serve their communities.”
Fire Chief Brown also appreciates the support of the community during annual fund raising which helped to pay
the cost share portion of the tool purchase.
Dalhart Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their area since 1903 and has open enrollment for anyone
wishing to give back to the community.
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 Texas State Legislature and administered by
Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural Volunteer Fire Departments 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