Flint-Gresham Volunteer Fire Department added a forcible entry training door to
their cache of training tools. The purchase was made possible with a cost share grant through the Rural
Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“The forcible entry training door will allow this department to hone their skills on accessing structures
more safely and efficiently when seconds count in an emergency,” said Josh Bardwell Texas A&M
Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator. “Gaining access to emergencies behind locked and stuck
doors are a real issue responders’ encounter, so being able to train for these encounters is extremely
beneficial.”
The door will allow the forcible entry process to be completed over and over again.
“It is going to help my personnel to be confident and efficient in forcible entry whether a medical
emergency or trapped victim in a fire,” said Flint-Gresham VFD Assistant Chief Keith Tate. “The door
can be used numerous times with different techniques depending on the type of door.”
According to Tate the new training tool is portable and will be made available to partnering volunteer
fire departments for hands on training.
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.