A new set of rescue tools for Kountze Volunteer Fire Department will mean faster and safer
extrication from auto accidents. The tools were acquired through a $15,000 grant administered by Texas A&M
Forest Service.
“The set of tools we were using before were over 30 years old,” Fire Chief Barry Mitchell said. “With the grant we
were able to purchase a large spreader and a large cutter, as well as a modern lightweight power unit.”
The new equipment will improve the department’s efficiency in many ways.
“It will be an easier machine to use,” Mitchell said. “Being lighter weight we can deploy it faster. Also, now one
person can operate it whereas before we had to have two people operating it. It is stronger and lighter.”
The department is located near a major highway, so they use this kind of equipment often according to Regional
Fire Coordinator Ricky Holbrook.
“The equipment was worn out,” Holbrook said. “It will help them big time with rescuing people out of vehicles.
They wouldn’t have been able to get this equipment any other way.”
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.