West Volunteer Fire Department accepted a $9,000 cost share grant to help purchase a
specialized washer-extractor that will help maintain their Personal Protective Gear (PPE) or turnout gear. The
grant was awarded through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas
A&M Forest Service.
Firefighters put their own safety on the line all the time to help protect their communities and fellow
firefighters. Modern technology has made it possible for them to take a step towards protecting themselves by
having clean turnout gear.
“We are glad to be able to add a heavy-duty washer-extractor to our department equipment, said West VFD
Treasurer Pat Grimm. “Having an extractor onsite will allow our gear to be clean of any carcinogens that might
be clinging to the gear.”
According to Grimm, previously the turnout gear was sent out to be cleaned which sometimes took two weeks,
leaving the department with less gear in service and it also was expensive.
“Having the option to clean gear inhouse is a great alternative,” said Grimm. “The department is grateful to
Mayor Muska, City Council, local community, and Texas A&M Forest Service for their support and help in
making this addition possible.”
Turnout gear is an investment for each fire department and can mean the difference between adequate
protection and injury to a firefighter.
“The new PPE extractor not only properly decontaminates bunker gear, but it makes the gear last longer and
clean gear is more visible when out on a response,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator,
Matthew Schlaefer.
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.