Myrtle Springs Volunteer Fire Department gets $172,000 grant for new gear

MYRTLE SPRINGS, Texas ( KETK ) – The Myrtle Springs Volunteer Fire Department said they’ve received a $172,000 grant from FEMA to help them replace some of their aging equipment.

The $172,000 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) from FEMA will be used to buy Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) air packs, face masks, spare cylinders and two RIT-Pak emergency air supply systems, according to the department.

Their new equipment will take the place of old and outdated equipment that the department said they’ve been using for over 20 years.

“We are very grateful to FEMA AFG for recognizing the urgent needs of the Myrtle Springs Volunteer Fire Department,” said MSVFD assistant chief Lonnie Smith. “This grant not only enables us to enhance the safety and effectiveness of our operations but also demonstrates a commitment to protecting the health of our firefighters. With this support, we can continue to provide the highest level of service to our community while prioritizing the well-being of our volunteers.”

According to MSFVD, firefighters are 9% more likely to get cancer than the general population, meaning that this new equipment is much needed to protect firefighters.

MSFVD is also holding a fundraiser on Oct. 19 to help raise money to replace more of their old equipment and to help cover their fire response overhead costs.

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