Rice Volunteer Fire Department received a $12,900 grant
from Texas A&M Forest Service through the Rural VFD Assistance Program to purchase new
rescue equipment. The tools include a power unit, spreader, cutter and ram.
“We are trying to keep up-to-date equipment to better serve as mutual aid to the bigger fire
departments in the area,” said Rice VFD Training Chief Coordinator Matthew Germain. “This
type of equipment is essential when responding to automobile accidents.”
Mastering these tools allows responders to safely and successfully perform timely automobile
extrications. The tools are crucial for saving lives when time and efficiency matter most.
“They are extremely excited about the new rescue tools and are in the process of mounting them
in an apparatus that covers a portion of Interstate 45 corridor,” said TFS District Coordinator
Troy Case.
Volunteer firefighters operate 85 percent of the fire departments in Texas. This year Texas A&M
Forest Service will pass approximately $24.3 million to VFDs across the state. The grants aid
them in purchasing equipment and obtaining vital firefighter training, giving them greater
capabilities to protect life and property in their communities.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.