Rio Vista Volunteer Fire Department now has new rescue equipment
thanks to a $11,709 grant through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance
Program.
“We received various types of rescue equipment, most of which is new to our department and will be a great
benefit to our community and surrounding area,” Rio Vista VFD Chief Gail Hutchison said.
Among the new equipment are a rescue jack, stabilization equipment, airbags, rope, a harness, pulleys,
carabiners, and gloves.
Rio Vista has a wide range of possible emergencies due to the makeup of the 90 square miles they cover. Lakes,
cliffs and agricultural enterprises all present their own potential crisis, like overturned tractors, automotive
accidents, capsized boats or stranded climbers.
Having new and updated equipment that will cover a variety of incidents and meet the needs of the community
is a valuable asset according to Hutchison.
“We haven’t had airbags before and are pleased to have them. The airbags will be helpful when lifting an
automobile or a tractor that has flipped over on someone and we have had to respond to both of those
situations,” Hutchison said.
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 the Texas State Legislature and administered
by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural VFDs 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.