Elmwood Volunteer Fire Department received a $13,900 grant from
Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The cost share grant was
used to purchase a new cutter and spreader.
A cutter and spreader are essential recue tools when responding to an automobile accident where the victim is
trapped in the vehicle. The tools give the rescuers the option to cut and remove the vehicle roof or door in order
to extricate the victim. They are vital at a time when seconds matter.
“I appreciate Texas A&M Forest Service having the HB2604 grant program available to VFDs,” said Elmwood
VFD Fire Chief Clyde Cunningham. “The grant allowed us to replace 15-year-old tools with the latest and more
current equipment.”
The department had two fund-raisers to help pay for their portion of the cost share grant.
“We serve 2,500 individuals in our 114 square mile protection area,” said Cunningham. “State Highway 155
and several county roads are areas where we respond to vehicle accidents. It is a great benefit to our community
and to travelers as well for the department to have updated rescue tools.”
The volunteers had several training sessions on the use of the new tools and have already put them into service.
The department has open enrollment for individuals wanting to dedicate time and give back to the community.
Anyone that would like to apply may call Fire Chief Cunningham at (903) 725-4685 or come to a meeting held
the first, third and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. The meetings are held at the fire department which is
located at 110 ACR 4452.
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 VFDs 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.