A nearly $14,000 grant awarded by Texas A&M Forest Service allowed Hamby
Volunteer Fire Department to purchase new rescue equipment.
Taking advantage of this grant gave the department specialized equipment to assist in various types of
rescue situations. They used the opportunity to purchased stabilizer bars, airlifting bags, and air packs
that will help to improve efficiency, safety and enhance the overall capabilities of the department.
“This type of equipment is new to our department,” Fire Chief Ray Watson said. “We did not have any of
it before. It will enhance our ability to better serve our community and surrounding area.”
Hamby VFD is located in the corner of four counties and covers approximately 800 square miles of
territory.
“We answer calls for all four counties: Taylor, Jones, Callahan and Shackelford,” Watson said. “Anyone
that needs help we try to be there. We were in need of equipment of this type to do that.”
“In building the capacity of our local VFDs, we are able to help them meet the goals of their department
and the community they serve,” Regional Fire Coordinator Charles Tice said.
Over 85 percent of fire departments in the state of Texas are either completely or mostly operated by
volunteers. TFS passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state
every year, helping them purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.