A $15,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service helped the Jourdanton Volunteer
Fire Department retire their 20-year-old rescue equipment. This update will be a great benefit for their
community and surrounding area, and help to increase the safety of the firefighters.
“The new jaws of life has greater technology, is lighter weight and produces greater pressure. The older unit
weighed 72 pounds, it was a safety risk just lifting the spreaders,” said Chief David Prasifka. “The safety of our
volunteers is a priority in our department.”
Jourdanton VFD’s service area sits atop the Eagle Ford Shale and 18-wheeler trucks transport oil from this area.
The increase in the truck traffic, increases the potential for an accident. The new, more powerful, unit will prove
beneficial in this area.
“Transporting oil from the area creates a greater risk for truck accidents,” said Chief Prasifka. “The larger
trucks mean a bigger challenge in extrication from those big rigs, but the power of the new tool means quicker
rescue with fewer cuts.”
Rescue tools such as these can be used for automobile extrication and other emergencies.
“Atascosa County recently dispatched our department to a tornado scene,” said Chief Prasifka. “It was feared
that students were trapped in a collapsed gym, fortunately none were. We were thankful to have our new
equipment in service if it had been needed.”
Volunteer firefighters operate 85 percent of the fire departments in Texas. This year TFS will pass
approximately $24.3 million along to VFDs across the state. The grants aid them in purchasing equipment and
obtaining vital firefighter training, giving them greater capabilities to protect life and property in their
communities.
“The opportunity for training and updated equipment has contributed to our departments having the ability to
serve our community in a greater way while maintaining a safe environment during emergencies, “
said Prasifka.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.