Departments get help from Texas A & M Forest Service

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor

    Several local volunteer fire departments, including those in Lockhart, Dale, Martindale, and the Tri-Community area, are getting a big boost thanks to new funding from the Texas A&M Forest Service.

   A historic $164 million investment, approved by the 89th Texas Legislature, is helping provide 558 new fire trucks and 321 slip-on units to volunteer fire departments across the state. The funding comes through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, which has been helping small departments get essential gear and training since it was created in 2001. Over the years, the program has awarded more than $500 million in grants, and this latest round is the biggest yet.

   “This historic funding reflects the strong support of the Texas Legislature and the governor,” said Al Davis, director of the Texas A&M Forest Service. “Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas’ lives and property.”

   This round marks the largest single distribution of grants so far and is just the first phase of more than $192 million that will be rolled out to volunteer departments statewide. The funding follows a special appropriation for departments that submitted requests before Nov. 7, 2024.

   Texas relies on a tiered approach to fighting wildfires, with local fire departments and counties as the first line of defense. The state steps in when fires grow beyond local capacity.

   With this new funding, departments can buy much-needed trucks, gear, and equipment to handle not only wildfires but also house fires, vehicle crashes, and other emergencies.      Lawmakers also approved another $88 million in base funding for the 2026–27 fiscal years, the highest ever, to keep supporting local departments with their ongoing equipment needs.

   More grants for protective gear, training tools, and dry hydrants are expected to roll out in the coming months.

   Fire departments can apply for assistance through Texas FireConnect, an online portal that makes it easier to manage grant applications and track incident reports. It also includes a public directory of all fire departments in the state.

  Caldwell County departments awarded grants are:

•Lockhart Fire and Rescue, $165,000 for the purchase of a small brush truck.

•Dale Fire Department, $300,000 for the purchase of a water tender. 

•Martindale Fire Department, $300,000 for the purchase of a water tender. 

•Tri-Community Fire Department, $45,000 for the purchase of a slip-on unit.