RICHLAND SPRINGS, Texas — The Richland Springs Volunteer Fire Department received a grant from Texas A&M Forest Service for a new slip-on unit worth $18,000.
“It has the foam unit capabilities on it and is more lightweight than the older unit. The lighter weight makes it easier to get out to the wildland fires,” said Richland Springs VFD Captain Mike Poe. “The foam unity will also be helpful during periods of water shortages because we won’t have to rely on as much water.”
Richland Springs VFD has 19 volunteers that serve approximately 350 people and a Boy Scout camp in the area.
“Grants provided by Texas A&M Forest Service are great for volunteer fire departments, said Poe. “We would not be able to purchase this equipment without TFS.”
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 http://texasfd.com.