Weldon Volunteer Fire Department received a grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to purchase four, 45- minute, self-contained breathing
apparatus that are vital in firefighting.
The breathing apparatus known as air packs are a benefit to the health of the firefighter, giving them fresh air to
breath when fighting structure fires or in confined spaces. The breathable air allows firefighters to work safely and
longer.
“Air packs are very expensive so the department only had four,” said Weldon VFD Fire Chief Dennis Taylor.
“Having an air pack can mean the difference between having good air to breath or being exposed to toxic fumes in the
process of trying to save a victim during of a structure fire.”
Training on the use of the air packs is paramount for the department.
“Safety is a priority for our department,” said Taylor. “If it’s attending fire school for the first time or taking a
refresher course, there is always something new to learn to help keep the volunteers safe, so we encourage all of our
members to take training classes.”
Weldon VFD has been serving the area since 1981 and has open enrollment for any dedicated individual wanting to
give back to the community. An application may be picked up the last Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the fire
station located at 11397 FM 230.
The department appreciates the grant program making it possible to attain the much needed equipment.
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.