The Junction Volunteer Fire Department recently purchased rescue
tools using a $15,000 grant through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance Program.
Rescue tools included a combination cutter and spreader, a ram and rope rescue equipment.
The cutter and spreader is a replacement for an older model that will now be moved to a backup response truck
according to Junction VFD Fire Chief Cecil Conner. The new unit was placed on the department’s first-out
truck.
No additional power unit is required for the new cutter and spreader. It is battery operated and mobile in ways
that previous generator-powered units were not. “This unit improves our service and allows us to get into areas
we normally can’t get to,” Chief Conner said.
“We really appreciate the grant programs from Texas A&M Forest Service,” said Chief Conner. “We don’t
have many funding opportunities so these programs keep us alive.”
The Junction Volunteer Fire Department serves approximately 5,400 individuals in Kimble 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.