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Volunteer fire department reports roughly $200,000 in grants, new equipment and an ARFF vehicle coming
Summary
Alpine volunteer fire department volunteers reported about $200,000 in recent grants used for bunker gear, radios, vehicle maintenance and training; an ARFF vehicle funded with federal money administered through Texas A&M is expected and staff said it will be used across the region.
The Alpine Emergency Services Board and volunteer fire department updated council on recent grants, training and equipment purchases.
Carla Spencer, the Alpine Emergency Services Board secretary, reported the department secured approximately $200,000 in grant funding in addition to city and county support. Staff said funds purchased new bunker gear, radios, refurbished equipment, and supported firefighter training. The department reported eight personnel completed wildland firefighter training and multiple firefighters completed Firefighter I and EMT training.
Spencer noted an Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle obtained with federal funds administered through Texas A&M was coming to the department; she described the vehicle as self-contained, capable of traveling up to 70 mph and equipped with a water cannon, useful for brush and structural fires. Staff said the unit was being modified for local use and would be available where needed across the region. Councilmembers asked about hydrant testing and alarm-installation programs; staff said hydrant testing has been discussed and efforts were ongoing and that delays in alarm shipments had slowed a home-alarm replacement program.
Council thanked firefighters and encouraged coordination on hydrant testing and continued training. No council action was required.
