The Eastside Volunteer Fire Department of Rusk County received a
$18,000 grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. This grant was used to
purchase fire and rescue equipment.
The departments new rescue tool kit will help stabilize vehicles when extrication is needed.
The departments previous set will still be used, but the new one will provide equipment that is more
suitable for larger vehicles. The two sets will also allow the department to have additional capabilities
on emergency scenes.
As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service administers the
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and is committed to protecting lives, property and
natural resources. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas
Legislature and provides cost-share 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, visit texasfd.com.