Morgan Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer
Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. The grant was used to
purchase much needed self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
“The SCBA devices are essential for our volunteers and consist of an air tank, mask and respirator,” said
Morgan VFD Fire Chief Brian Moore. “About 50 percent of our responses are for situations where the fires
produce contaminants that cause air to be unbreathable. Having the right equipment allows volunteers to have
clean air to breathe and maintain safety when responding to any type of hazardous material fire.”
SCBA is one of the most important pieces of equipment a firefighter can have.
“These breathing devices are one of the greatest innovations in firefighting,” said Texas A&M Forest Service
Regional Fire Coordinator Matthew Schlaefer. “They are useful during vehicle and structure fires, allowing
firefighters to perform rescues and suppress fire while providing respiratory protection.”
The department received eight SCBA devices.
“The bottles are refillable after each use and will be in service 10-15 years before having to be replaced,” said
Moore.
Morgan Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their community since 1955. Chief Moore has been with
the department for 46 years and several of the other members have similar service records. They appreciate the
community’s support during fund raising events, even as the COVID-19 virus caused events to be canceled.
“Though this has been a challenging year, our community still responded with monetary support which helps
our department to continue to offer fire service not only our community but in mutual aid to the surrounding
area,” said Moore.
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 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, please visit http://texasfd.com.