Teague Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $10,817 grant for
rescue equipment through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The new equipment purchased through the cost-share program includes a power plant for the Jaws of Life,
rescue struts, a ram, a windshield cutter and windshield removal tools.
“This is a great looking package of tools; some are replacing decades old equipment, while others are improving
the department’s capabilities to serve their community,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire
Coordinator Troy Case.
Teague VFD Chief Jody Bodine is excited to have more reliable equipment such as the struts and glass cutters
which are new additions. The struts are used in the first step of extrication to stabilize the vehicle causing it to
sit solid and making the scene safer for the rescuers and the victim. The glass cutter is specialized for the newer
vehicle windshields and helpful in removing the glass in one piece.
“We are replacing older rams that were about 25 to 30 years old and the pump for the Jaws of Life was 10 to 15
years old. The quick struts and glass cutter are new additions,” Bodine said. “Having proper equipment that you
can rely on improves the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.”
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.
To learn more about the fire department assistance programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit
http://texasfd.com.