Waylon Weidner (left) of the Bullard Volunteer Fire Department uses an extrication tool on a vehicle during training excercises next to the station. Randy Lee, (right) instructor, looks on. (Photo Courtesy of Justin Walker) The Bullard Volunteer Fire Department was busy cutting two cars apart Saturday, Feb. 20.

No, firefighters were not responding to an emergency at an accident scene. They were, instead, training for a possible emergency.

BVFD firefighters and firefighters from Noonday and Earles Chapel participated in the training exercise, which including using air mats or bags that lift up vehicles and using extrication tools.

“Training has increased, helping to assure that our responders are skilled and knowledgeable,” said BVFD Shift Supervisor Justin Walker.

The BVFD recently was awarded funds from the Emergency Services District.

“The Bullard Volunteer Fire Department has made good use of the Emergency Services District money that it has received, and we are on the verge of reaping some of those benefits,” Walker said.

The department will purchase equipment that will speed up the work on scene, allowing firefighters to complete their job faster. And, according to Walker, in emergencies, time is most often the determining factor.

Additionally, daytime crews have been hired to work at the station from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The crews perform regular maintenance to assure the equipment is ready for emergency responses, and they supplement the volunteers who often have regular daytime jobs.

“In the near future we hope to score well on an insurance evaluation that could lower home owners premiums for local residents,” Walker said. “All of the above items factor into this score. Plain and simple, if we lower the risk to the companies by providing good solid coverage, they lower the premiums.”

The Bullard Fire Department is located at 215 S. Houston St. (F.M. 2493). For fire emergencies, call 911. For administrative information, call (903) 894-7143.