The Kirvin Volunteer Fire Department purchased an assortment of rescue tools thanks to a grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“The equipment that they received will help the department increase their capacity to better serve their community and surrounding area, said Matthew Schlaefer, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator. “Some of the equipment is replacing old, outdated tools while the other pieces are new to the department.”
Among the equipment purchased were the Jaws of Life, cribbing, stabilizer, chain saw, telescoping light, straps and chains.
“Everyone is familiar with the Jaws of Life that can help to cut the metal of a wrecked vehicle to get a victim out but the stabilizers and cribbing are important to stabilize a vehicle so it can be worked on without shifting,” said Roger Hogue, a Kirvin Volunteer Fire Department firefighter. “The better stability will make for a safer rescue for the volunteers and the victims. The stabilizers can also be used in a structure fire to stabilize a wall or ceiling.”
According to Hogue the new equipment has gone into service on the department’s initial response vehicle and is an improvement over previous tools. The department is grateful to have received the grant and hopes to make rescues faster and increase stability with the newer equipment.
The Kirvin Volunteer Fire Department serves approximately 2,300 individuals in Freestone County.
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 fire-fighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and fire-fighter training. To learn more about the fire department assistance programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit http://texasfd.com.
