VFD gets boost through grant

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, August 1, 2007

A local volunteer fire department will receive much needed funds in the way of federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Tony Hinson, chief of Tyler Volunteer Fire Department, said his department was in need of funding and has been trying to get grant money for two years.

Incorporated in the 1960s, the department has five trucks and 14 firemen and is in need of new fire suits and equipment.

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Thanks to the grant the department will be able to purchase 12 new suits, which cost $16,000 to $18,000 each and new air packs, which cost $21,000 to $22,000 each.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will award 459 grants totaling more than $35 million to fire departments across the United States during this first round of grants. Other rounds will be announced at a later date.

Communities rely on their volunteer fire departments and its volunteers. When called upon, they perform an outstanding job, putting their lives on the line.

These volunteers deserve to have the best equipment available to help them perform the task.