Dew Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant through the Texas
A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The grant was used to
purchase rescue equipment that reduces the setup time when seconds count.
“Our department is happy to replace a set of rescue tools that had been in use for 20 years,” said Dew
Fire Chief Carl Clark. “The grant allowed us to purchase a battery-operated cutter and spreader, extra
batteries and cribbing, all necessary for extricating a trapped victim from a vehicle accident.”
The new tools are commonly called the Jaws of Life rescue system. The new system along with
cribbing that is essential to supporting a vehicle while an extrication is in process will help increase the
department’s capacity to save lives.
Dew VFD is located in Teague which is just minutes from Interstate 45.
“The tools will be in great demand since 99 percent of our rescue response is for vehicle accidents on
Interstate 45,” said Clark. “We have already used the new tools for an 18-wheeler extrication.”
Dew VFD wishes to express their appreciation to the community and county for contributing to help
make this cost share grant purchase possible and to Texas A&M Forest Service for having grant
opportunities available.
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.