MCGREGOR, TX — The McGregor Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $20,000 grant to add additional safety and rescue items to the department's cache.
The department plans to use the grant to add a vehicle stabilization kit, which includes struts and airbags to help steady or raise a vehicle after an accident. The extrication process sometimes call for the removal of a car roof, window or door. So proper stabilization will allow first responders quicker access to an individual, decreasing the chance of further injury to the victim.
“More people and companies are moving into our response area, Highway 84 has expanded and there is an increase in 18-wheeler traffic,” said Fire Chief Marty Dominguez. “The new tools will be a tremendous benefit to our community.”
Another safety item the department will receive is a Self-Contained Breathing Aparatus (SCBA) filling station so firefighters can charge two bottles at once, and have breathable air in a dangerous to life or health situation.
This award is made possible by a cost-share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program,which is administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides 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.
The McGregor Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the area since 1924 and says anyone in the community can volunteer with the department. To apply, stop by the fire station at 302 South Madison on any Tuesday night after 7 p.m.
