Texas A&M Forest Service awards $164 million to Texas fire departments, 29 local departments awarded

AMARILLO, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Texas A&M Forest Service approved $164 million in funding to award 558 fire trucks and 321 slip-on units to Texas volunteer fire departments through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The forest service awarded 29 local departments.

According to officials from the Texas A&M Forest Service, the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program was established by Texas House Bill 2604 in 2001 to grant rural volunteer fire departments essential firefighting equipment and training. The program has awarded over $500 million in grants to Texas fire departments.

The local fire departments awarded include:

• Booker Volunteer Fire Department, Lipscomb County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Bovina Volunteer Fire Department, Parmer County, Large Brush Truck-$265,000.00
• Boys Ranch Fire/Rescue, Oldham County, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Cactus Fire Department, Moore County, Large Brush Truck-$265,000.00
• Canadian Volunteer Fire Department, Hemphill County, Large Brush Truck-$265,000.00
• Channing Volunteer Fire Department, Hartley County, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Channing Volunteer Fire Department, Hartley County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Chillicothe Volunteer Fire Department, Hardeman County, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Crutch Ranch Volunteer Fire Department, Hutchinson County, Small Brush Truck-$165,000.00
• Farwell Volunteer Fire Department, Parmer County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Follett Fire Department, Lipscomb County, Large Brush Truck-$265,000.00
• Fritch Volunteer Fire Department, Hutchinson County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Groom Volunteer Fire Department, Carson County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Higgins Volunteer Fire Department, Lipscomb County, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Hoover Volunteer Fire Department, Gray County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Kress Volunteer Fire Department, Swisher County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Lefors Volunteer Fire Department, Gray County, Large Truck Chassis-$100,000.00
• Nazareth Volunteer Fire Department, Castro, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Nazareth Volunteer Fire Department, Castro County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Paducah Fire Department, Cottle County, Large Brush Truck-$265,000.00
• Palisades Volunteer Fire Department, Randall County, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Quitaque Volunteer Fire Department, Briscoe County, Small Brush Truck-$165,000.00
• Samnorwood Volunteer Fire Department, Collingsworth County, Small Brush Truck-$165,000.00
• Silverton Volunteer Fire Department, Briscoe County, Large Brush Truck-$265,000.00
• Skellytown Volunteer Fire Department, Carson County, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Texline Volunteer Fire Department, Dallam County, Water Tender-$300,000.00
• Texline Volunteer Fire Department, Dallam County, Slip-On Unit-$45,000.00
• Timbercreek Canyon Village Fire Department, Randall County, Small Truck Chassis-$60,000.00
• Vega Fire Rescue, Oldham County, Large Brush Truck-$265,000.00

“Texas fire departments are the front line of local response, and their equipment capacity is vital to response time and effectiveness,” said Al Davis, Texas A&M Forest Service Director. “This historic funding reflects the strong support of the Texas Legislature and governor. Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas’ lives and property.”

Officials noted that the funding through the program will provide a way for local fire departments to purchase critical equipment to increase their equipment capacity to respond to wildfires and other emergencies. The program also appropriated $88 million in base funding during the legislative session for fiscal years 2026 through 2027 to address needs for cirtial equipment at the local level.

Texas A&M Forest Service officials stated that funding for fire and rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, training aids, and dry hydrants will be awarded to fire departments over the coming months.

Officials added that local fire departments are eligible to apply for grants and assistance through FireConnect, a Texas A&M Forest Service database that provides a streamlined grant portal for the agency and fire departments.