Several rural volunteer fire departments in the Texas Panhandle and South Plains are getting an equipment boost thanks to new funding that was green-lighted by the 89th Texas Legislature to bolster local efforts to mitigate wildfires and other emergencies.

On Oct. 14, the Texas A&M Forest Service approved $164 million through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to award 558 fire trucks, 321 slip-on units and other equipment needs to volunteer fire departments throughout the state, including nearly 60 departments in the region.

Established by HB 2604 in 2001, the program provides grants to rural volunteer fire departments for essential firefighting equipment and training and has awarded more than $500 million in grants throughout the years. This includes this week's fun

See Full Page