The Dawson Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $6,700
grant for a new thermal imaging camera through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program.
“This is a new addition to our department,” Dawson VFD Assistant Chief Ronnie Hogue said. “We have not
had to use the camera just yet, but it is ready for use should the need arise.”
The thermal cameras are valuable tools that can be used in a variety of ways.
“We will be using the camera to find hot spots in structure fires or search and rescue,” explains Chief Hogue. “It
will also be useful if there is an automobile accident at night. We will be able to detect if anyone was ejected
from the vehicle and possibly thrown away from the immediate scene.”
The Dawson VFD was established on 1943 and serves a protected area of approximately 72 square miles.
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.