Potter County Fire and Rescue recently received a
$15,000 grant through Texas A&M Forest Service. The grant was used to purchase new rescue
tools and replace outdated items such as a thermal imaging camera.
The camera “is a replacement for a 1980s model,” said Fire Chief Richard Lake. “The [new]
camera has an extended battery life and better imagery which comes across a lot clearer.”
Thermal imaging cameras allow firefighters to see areas of heat in low visibility conditions such
as darkness or through smoke. According to Chief Lake, the camera is also useful when
searching for individuals outside of fire situations, such as car wrecks or missing person cases.
Responding to calls from a population of 20,000 people, the department puts value in the new
equipment. “We are intersected by four major highways with a lot of truck and vehicle traffic,”
explained Chief Lake, “so all of our new rescue equipment is vital to our community and those
who travel through our area.”
The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program provides funding to rural VFDs for
the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dryhydrants, computer systems and firefighter training. It is a cost-share program funded by the
Texas State Legislature.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.