Montalba Volunteer Fire Department received a $12,800 cost share grant
through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest
Service.
“Our department received battery powered rescue tools needed to preform extrication from a vehicle
entrapment or rescue during a structure fire,” said Fire Chief Tracy Pinkerton. “Montalba is between
Athens and Palestine with Highway 19. The highway has been widened and the speed limit raised,
with that in mind, we anticipate having to use these type of tools more often.”
According to Pinkerton the rescue tools typically known as Jaws of Life are battery operated and can
be engaged faster, giving quicker access to entrapped victims.
“With this new set of tools we do not have to drag a hydraulic hose around and take time to set
everything up and then worry about a vehicle running over the hose,” said Pinkerton. “We just arrive,
pull out the tools and get to work.”
Montalba VFD has been serving their community and surrounding area since 1962 and continue to
welcome new volunteers.
“We have open enrollment for volunteers,” said Pinkerton. “We welcome individuals to fill all types of
roles other than firefighter. There are times we need someone to direct traffic, drive a truck or supply
drinking water to the firefighters when they are battling a structure or grass fire.”
To apply come by the Montalba Volunteer Fire Department at 161 AQCR 4911, Montalba.
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.