Having rescue equipment readily available can be lifesaving. Thornton Volunteer Fire
Department received a $15,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program.
“This is a first for our department,” said Fire Chief Paul Miller. “We have always had to depend on two
departments that we mutual aid with to respond to vehicle accidents in our 88-square-mile service area. We are
very pleased to have the tools available for immediate response, helping increase the department’s capacity to
serve the community and travelers.”
The heavy duty tools are also capable of easily lifting heavy farm equipment or for forcible entry during a
structure fire.
“The main purpose for purchasing the tools is extrication in the event of a vehicle accident but the tools are
really multipurpose and having the proper tools housed in our area decreases the wait time when seconds
count,” said Miller.
Miller states that two of the department members are trained and certified to use the tools. The goal is for all of
the members to receive training and certification.
Miller expressed the department’s gratitude to Texas A&M Forest Service for the cost share grant and to the
community for participating in the fill the boot fundraiser which helped meet the department’s cost share
portion of the purchase.
Volunteer Fire Departments are the first line of defense in some areas and having efficient tools available is a
benefit for the community.
“Community support is always helpful with operating costs and assisting the department to better serve the area
with updated equipment is appreciated,” said Miller.
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 Texas State Legislature and administered by
Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural Volunteer Fire Departments 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.