Windthorst Volunteer Fire Department received an $11,000 grant for rescue tools through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance Program.
“Our department has been in need of a thermal imaging camera and stabilizing jacks for rescue,” Fire Chief Marvin Geis said.
The new equipment will advance their ability to fight fires and service automobile accidents.
“The camera is helpful in the case of search and rescue,” Geis said of the thermal imaging camera, which takes an inventory of hotspots. “In addition, it is important to the protection of civilians and firefighters alike as well as the assessment of structure fires.”
According to Geis, the stabilizing jacks, which are used to lift cars and extricate its occupants, are also beneficial to the efforts of the department.
“There are times when you need to get a person from inside vehicle or raise a part of it off them,”Geis said.
These are instances where the hydraulic system and ram of the jacks can make a difference in life or death.
Over 85 percent of fire departments in Texas are either completely or mostly operated by volunteers. TFS passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state each year, helping them purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
“TFS’s programs have been a great help not only to departments like ours that rely solely on donations, but on surrounding ones that are in similar situations,” Geis said.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.