Volunteer firefighters gather to celebrate assistance

Bullard volunteer firefighters, along with representatives from North Cherokee and Earle's Chapel, were among those present to celebrate new funding assistance.

Nearly 150 persons, including representatives of 34 volunteer fire departments from Angelina and several surrounding counties, gathered in Lufkin Saturday to show appreciation for funding aid the departments had obtained through the HB 2604 Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance program.

The assembled fire departments proudly displayed their new tankers, brush trucks and other fire apparatus, most of which was purchased with financial aid from the HB 2604 program.

At the event, which was sponsored by the Angelina County Firefighters Association, the Texas Forest Service presented ceremonial big checks to the departments that had received aid through the HB 2604 program.

The purposed of the event was three-fold, according to Joe Fox, HB 2604 program coordinator with the Texas Forest Service.

"The event was held to show appreciation to State Representative Jim McReynolds, who sponsored the legislation that established the $15 million annual assistance program for the state's

volunteer fire departments," said Fox. "It was also to show appreciation to the Texas Forest Service for administering the HB 2604 and other VFD assistance programs. And it was also to provide a chance for the Texas Forest Service and legislative leaders to express their appreciation to the volunteer

fire departments for their efforts and support in protecting the lives and property of area residents. "

HB 2604 funding has assisted several area fire departments with obtaining new fire units, other fire gear, computers and firefighter attendance at training schools.

Speakers at the event included Jim Hull, state forester and director of the Texas Forest Service, Jim McReynolds, state representative and sponsor of the HB 2604 enabling legislation and Bobby Young, fire chief with the Texas Forest Service.

Other volunteer departments represented at Oct. 7 Appreciation Event in Lufkin

were: Alabama-Coushatta, Appleby, Central, Central Heights, Colmesneil, Corrigan, Crockett, Dam B, Diboll, DLS Haz Mat, Douglass, Etoile, Fuller Springs, Groveton, Hudson, Huntington, Kingtown, Livingston, Lovelady, Moffett, New Summerfield, Rivercrest/Redland, Segno, South Polk County, Spurger, Weldon, Wells and Zavalla.