After devastating flooding that struck Central Texas this summer, three Texas volunteer fire departments received donations of essential emergency response equipment through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Helping Hands Program.
After devastating flooding that struck Central Texas this summer, three Texas volunteer fire departments received donations of essential emergency response equipment through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Helping Hands Program.
This program facilitated the donation of equipment to help expand and restore the emergency response capabilities of Hunt, Mountain Home and Ingram volunteer fire departments, which experienced loss of equipment while responding to the flood.
A fire engine was donated to Hunt Volunteer Fire Department by Jefferson County Emergency Services District Three. Hunt Volunteer Fire Department was an initial responder to the flooding and served as a central hub for volunteers and equipment throughout the response. During the flood, they lost two trucks.
A fire engine, 17 air packs and two rapid intervention team packs were donated to Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department by Fulshear Volunteer Fire Department. A water rescue boat was donated to the department by a private donor in New Mexico. The donated fire engine replaces a fire engine that was lost during the flood. The rescue boat is an addition to the department and will increase the capacity of its swift water rescue team.
Mountain Home Volunteer Fire Department was an initial responding agency to the flood, assisting in search and rescue operations.
Personal protective equipment was donated to Ingram Volunteer Fire Department by Salado Volunteer Fire Department. The donated personal protective gear replaces their gear lost in the flood. Ingram Volunteer Fire Department was also an initial responding department to the flood, assisting in search and rescue operations.
The donated equipment was presented to the volunteer fire departments Nov. 12.
The Helping Hands program helps connect volunteer fire departments in need of equipment with equipment donated by other fire departments.
This program is one of the agency’s several volunteer fire department assistant programs, which serve to strengthen local response capabilities and keep Texans safe.
“Our mission is to give fire departments every possible advantage so they can protect lives and property,” said Jason Keiningham, Texas A&M Forest Service Capacity Building Department Head. “These departments are the backbone of their communities; they show up for people on what is often the worst day of their lives. By providing equipment and support we are helping to ensure they have the tools they need to do their job safely.”
Visit the Texas A&M Forest Service website for more information about programs for volunteer fire departments.
Article source and photo credit: Texas A&M Forest Service
