The Stratford Volunteer Fire Department purchased an assortment
of rescue tools including jacks, a windshield cutter, a rescue saw and lifting bags. This was made possible
through a $15,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance Program.
“The equipment jacks, windshield cutter and rescue saw are all new additions to our department,” Stratford
VFD fire Chief Danny Davis said. ”All of this equipment makes our job safer and easier.”
The city of Stratford has two major roads that intersect in its area, U.S. Highway 287 and State Highway 54.
Thanks to some special training the department received for the struts, stabilization and extrication, Stratford
VFD is prepared for motor vehicle accidents that might occur due to increased traffic.
“These are all useful tools when responding to automobile accidents that require freeing trapped victims and in
some instances it makes the extrication go quicker,” said Chief Davis. “The struts will be used for stabilization
and not only can the lifting bags be used for vehicle accidents, but also for implement rescues, farming
accidents or any time we need to lift something heavy.”
The Stratford Volunteer Fire Department was chartered in 1947 and serves approximately 3,200 individuals in
Sherman County.
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.