Rock Island VFD acquires fire and rescue equipment with grant

ROCK ISLAND — The Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program awarded Rock Island Volunteer Fire Department with a $20,000 grant to assist in the purchase of new fire and rescue equipment.

With the grant, the department purchased a new skid unit, consisting of a tank, pump and hose.

Rock Island VFD Fire Chief Greg Buzek explained that this equipment will be mainly used in response to grass fires and car accidents.

“This equipment will improve our department’s capabilities by giving us more reliable trucks,” said Buzek, “This will especially help us out in the field.”

The Rock Island Volunteer Fire Department consists of over 20 volunteer firefighters from various backgrounds who provide important service to the community.

Buzek added that the fire department is always looking for volunteers to assist in fire and emergency response. Anyone interested in service as a volunteer can contact the Rock Island Volunteer Fire Department at rivfdbingo@ gmail.com Texas A&M Forest Service is an agency operating within the Texas A&M University System and as the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administrator is committed to protecting lives, property and natural resources. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas State Legislature to provide cost share 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.