Keene Fire Rescue received a grant through the Texas A&M Forest
Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Assistance Program. To help fill an equipment need crucial when responding to
emergencies.
The department received a variety of rescue equipment including a thermal imaging camera and telescope
lighting.
The thermal imaging camera detects heat given off by an object or person. It is useful in detecting hot spots in
structures or in search and rescue for a lost child or individual. The telescope lighting gives the department the
ability to light a scene during any kind of emergency. The increased illumination allows the firefighters greater
visibility for rescue efforts after a vehicle accident or mop-up after a fire.
“The equipment has gone into service and has been used on emergency response,” said Keene Fire Rescue Fire
Chief Matthew Gillin. “This type of equipment helps to increase the department’s capacity to better serve the
community. It allows faster, safer ways to detect hot spots that could be undetectable until it has advanced to a
more serious event and telescope lighting allows for a more detailed view of the emergency incident scene.”
Keene Fire Rescue has been serving the community since 1955. The department’s mission is to “save lives and
protect property by providing excellence and leadership in fire, rescue, emergency medical response, fire
prevention, and public education.” They currently have three positions open for volunteers. Anyone wanting to
commit time and be trained as a firefighter can apply at keenetx.com.
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 VFDs 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.