La Rosita Volunteer Fire Department recently purchased
new rescue equipment thanks to a $10,437 grant through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program.
The department purchased both new and replacement items with their grant.
“The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) tanks that we acquired are replacing ones that are expiring this
month,” said La Rosita VFD Chief Jorge Oyervides. “The new tanks are lighter and safer. Firefighters can use
them for longer periods instead of taking them off and being exposed to the dangerous environments we deal
with.”
In addition to the breathing apparatus, the department also purchased a combination cutter and spreader
extrication tool.
“The Holmatro extrication combination tool is a new addition to the station and will allow us to do extrication
without having to rely on mutual aid, which can take an additional 10 to 15 minutes to arrive,” explained Chief
Oyervides. “It allows us to be more independent and to complete our operations faster without any delay to the
victim.”
Chief Oyervides is appreciative of Texas A&M Forest Service programs that assist rural VFDs, especially when
fund raising can be difficult. “I want to thank Texas A&M Forest Service for the outstanding job that they do in
assisting and helping small departments with the programs they have. When we started in this department we
had limited equipment and through the Rural VFD grant we have slowly built this fire station up.”
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 this and other programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit http://texasfd.com.