The Marlin Volunteer Fire Department has purchased a specialized washing
machine that is designed to remove carcinogens and other contaminants from personal protective
equipment worn by firefighters. The purchase was made possible with a $20,000 grant from the Rural
Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The department also used the grant to purchase dual purpose gear.
In recent years, fire agencies have become increasingly aware of the hazards associated with wearing
contaminated gear. Marlin VFD wanted to take steps to ensure the safety of its firefighters and took
advantage of the opportunity to address the important issue through the grant.
Previously, the department had to outsource its cleaning to make sure the gear was safe. The new washer
will save the department time and money.
The new gear allows the department to respond to both grass fires and wrecks, while also allowing the
department to retire expired personal protective equipment. The gear was used on multiple grassfires
and vehicle accidents.
Marlin VFD would like to thank Texas A&M Forest Service. “We’ve been able to use the new
equipment on the scenes of grassfires one day, and vehicle wrecks the next. Without this grant, we
wouldn’t have been able to do that,” said Tanner Bethke, Marlin VFD Lieutenant.
The department is always looking for new members. Interested parties can call (254) 749-5843.
As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas
A&M Forest Service administers the Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program and is committed to protecting lives, property and
natural resources. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance
Program is funded by the Texas Legislature and provides cost-share
funding to rural volunteer fire departments 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, visit texasfd.com.