TYLER COUNTY – Several Tyler County fire departments were awarded funds through a rural assistance program, which was announced last week.
The program, titled the Rural VFD Assistance Program, provides funding to volunteer fire departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants as well as training for firefighters, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service website, which awards the grants.
It was established in 2001, by the 77th Texas Legislature, and also provides grant funding for volunteer recruitment resources and emergency assistance following declared states of disaster.
In total, five Tyler County volunteer fire departments were awarded grants through the program, at a total of $1,545,000. Statewide, for the grant program, $164 million was distributed to volunteer fire departments for the program’s fiscal year 2026 allotment. That funding represents 558 fire trucks and 321 slip-on units that were made possible to departments through the funding pool. Since it began, the program has awarded rural fire departments more than $500 million in combined grant monies.
“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 the governor. Their investment allows us to continue supporting and equipping firefighters who protect Texas’ lives and property.”
Dam B, Ivanhoe, Shady Grove, Warren and Woodville were each awarded $300K apiece for the purchase of new water tenders, and Woodville also obtained $45,000 for a new slip-on unit.
