Texas vol. dept. receives 3 grants

By Jessie Horton
Empire Tribune

ERATH COUNTY, Texas — Over the past few months three grants have come through from the Texas Forestry Service for the Erath County Volunteer Fire Department totaling $39,300. Coordinator Chris Gable said the department applied for the grants earlier this year and were pleased to be approved for all three.

The first grant allowed the department to purchase 38 sets of wildland firefighting gear, which cost between $375-$450 each - an estimated total of $17,100. According to Firefighter Tommy Shelton the wildland gear is lighter weight, which not only allows firefighters to move easier, but is cooler when fighting fires in the Texas heat.

Another grant allowed the department to purchase six sets of structural gear, which costs about $1,700 each — an estimated total of $10,200. The jackets and pants are heavier, thicker and protect firefighters from chemicals and direct heat.

Full story: ECVFR receives nearly $40K in grant funding