The Giddings Volunteer Fire Department used a $8,825 grant from Texas A&M
Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to purchase a forcible-entry
training aid.
The training prop will be used to teach department members techniques for gaining access to structures
during emergencies. Chief Charlie Brown said the department will begin training on the device next
week. The department plans to share the training aid with other departments in the county to expand its
value, he said.
“This is a life-or-death training tool, in my opinion,” Brown said. “We’re going to spread it around to
the other departments to help our whole county serve our residents better.”
Brown said in his 22-year career in fire service, he’s responded to a number of structure fires that
involved people who were trapped inside, and the forcible-entry simulator will be a valuable asset in
providing training for those situations.
“This has been on the wish list for long time,” Brown said. “We never would have been able to get this
without Texas A&M Forest Service, so we’re very appreciative.”
The Giddings Volunteer Fire Department welcomes new members. Anyone who might be interested in
joining is encouraged to visit a department training at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of each
month. The station is at 151 W. Independence St.
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.