Georgia-Pacific is proud to support fire departments across Deep East Texas with $68,500 in donations to help provide critical equipment, training tools, and resources that firefighters depend on to protect lives and property. As emergency responders continue to face growing demands, investments like these help ensure departments are prepared to respond quickly and effectively when their communities need them most.
“Firefighters are on the front lines every day, often putting themselves in harm’s way to keep our communities safe,” said Yana Ogletree, Georgia-Pacific Public & Government Affairs Manager, Texas. “Supporting these brave men and women isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s an investment in safety, resilience, and well-being of our communities.”
This year, Georgia-Pacific is supporting 12 fire departments across Angelina, Polk, and Sabine counties with investments aimed at strengthening emergency response capabilities. Among the recipients is the Fuller Springs Volunteer Fire Department, which plans to use the funding to help secure additional state support.
According to Fire Chief Bobby Cranford, the Georgia-Pacific contribution will help the department qualify for a $314,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service.
“We sincerely appreciate Georgia-Pacific’s continued partnership and support,” said Cranford. “Contributions like this help ensure we can continue protecting our community with the equipment and resources needed to respond safely and effectively.”
The Fuller Springs Volunteer Fire Department responds to approximately 250 calls each year, including structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, grass fires, and mutual aid requests from neighboring departments. Established in the late 1970s, the department is currently staffed by 15 firefighters.
Meanwhile, the Lufkin Fire Department plans to use its donated funds to purchase ventilation fans that help remove smoke from structures after fires are extinguished.
“I would like to thank Georgia-Pacific for its continued partnership and commitment to supporting the safety of our community,” said Jesse Moody, Lufkin Fire Chief. “Their proactive support and investment in our department have made Georgia-Pacific one of our strongest and most valued community partners.”
The Diboll Volunteer Fire Department, which responds to as many as 200 calls annually, will use the funding to equip emergency vehicles with lifting bags used to rescue individuals trapped under heavy debris, machinery, or vehicles. The department responds to structure and grass fires; however, motor vehicle accidents account for the majority of its emergency calls.
For the last couple of years, the Corrigan Volunteer Fire Department has focused on the completion of a new fire station funded in part through support from Georgia-Pacific. This year’s donation will help offset operational expenses such as fuel, utilities, and insurance costs. It is estimated that Corrigan volunteer firefighters respond to approximately 160 calls each year, with the majority being grass fires and motor vehicle accidents.
With a 41-member force answering an average of 1,300 calls annually, the Livingston Volunteer Fire Department plans to use the donated funds to purchase new safety equipment. “We have been successful because of businesses like Georgia-Pacific who support our efforts,” said Corky Cochran, Livingston Volunteer Fire Department Chief. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of our community.”
With summer in full swing, Pineland Volunteer Firefighters are preparing for the increased risk of grass and forest fires that accompany hot, dry conditions. To enhance the department’s capabilities, the Pineland Volunteer Fire Department recently purchased a firefighting, search-and-rescue, all-terrain vehicle with a slip in skid unit. “This equipment allows us to access remote areas more quickly and safely, making our firefighting efforts more efficient and effective,” said Joe Lane, Pineland Volunteer Fire Chief.
Additional volunteer fire departments receiving support are Bronson, Hemphill, Pendleton Harbor, Onalaska, and Six Mile.
“We are proud to support our local fire departments because they are essential to the safety and strength of our community,” said Ogletree. “Their work saves lives, protects property, and strengthens the fabric of our communities. We honor their service – and stand united in supporting the resources and recognition they deserve.”
