The Moore Volunteer Fire Department is now able to better protect the community after receiving a new fire engine.
With the help of over $77,000 in grant funds from Texas A&M Forest Service, Moore VFD now has new means in protecting life and property in the event of a fire.
“We had very old trucks that weren’t dependable and weren’t very fast in getting us out to the areas we service,” said J.D. Earl, Moore VFD fire chief. “The grant made it possible for us to purchase this new truck and help dramatically improve our response time.”
The cost-share grant was administered through the TFS Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The program assists VFDs like Moore in securing equipment and training to enhance their emergency response capabilities.
These grants are important because VFDs respond to 90 percent of wildfires in Texas, and do it with little to no money and staff made up primarily of volunteers.
“This new truck will be a great asset in helping the firefighters in South Texas. It will serve a dual purpose in assisting with wildland fires and responding more quickly to motor vehicle accidents,” said Garry Barney, Texas A&M Forest Service regional fire coordinator. The Moore VFD award is among the $12.8 million passed through TFS to Texas volunteer fire departments each year.
The Rural VFD Assistance Program was created during the 77th Texas Legislature. Largely due to the many programs that assist fire departments, the state agency has received seven national awards from the USDA Forest Service for extensive work in assisting underserved communities.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.