| 12/05/05 Chief, There have been to many injuries of firefighters during this year wildland fire season. The Texas Forest Service has contacted several people and departments across the state to help raise awareness on this issue. I don't have all the facts on recent incidents, however in some cases it was firefighter overtaken by flames with out all their protective gear on. Please ensure all members of your departments are aware of the importance of full protective gear. This should be included in your training and next safety stand down. The Texas Forest Service receives a limited amount of federal funds through the USFS Volunteer Fire Assistance Program. These federal funds are used in combination with state funds to provide assistance to eligible fire departments. Grants are awarded for the purchase of wildland personal protective equipment and structural personal protective equipment. Application must be made through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program (HB 2604) using TFS Form FO-400. This program typically reviews applications on a quarterly schedule. Due to recent fire service burn injuries the Texas Forest Service will review all applications upon receipt. The process for volunteer and some combination departments is spelled out on their web page, I have provided a link. Attached are forms and article on the program. FY2006 - HB2604 Special Announcement The Texas Forest Service is pleased to provide and administer the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, also known as HB 2604. Applications for grant assistance are now being accepted. WHAT IT IS. The Texas Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature. It provides funding to rural volunteer fire departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, county fire radio system components, dry-hydrants, computer systems, and firefighter training. Approximately $13,950,000 is distributed annually under the program. WHO IS ELIGIBLE. Any chartered, non-profit volunteer fire department operated by its members is eligible. Any part-paid/part-volunteer fire department is also eligible provided the number of paid members is 20 or less. HOW TO APPLY. Complete a Texas Forest Service Application For Rural Fire Defense Assistance (Form FO-400) and send to: Texas Forest Service Emergency Services Grants Division John B. Connally Building 301 Tarrow, Suite 304 College Station, Texas 77840-7896 Please include a completed IRS Form W-9 with the application. The Application for Rural Fire Defense Assistance form may be acquired from the Texas Forest Service website or by contacting the Texas Forest Service in College Station at (979) 458-6505 or Lufkin at (936) 639-8130. or through visiting the web site: http://txforestservice.tamu.edu/fire/vfd/Default.asp PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) 75% of the actual cost not to exceed $660 in grant assistance per complete individual set of Structural PPE. 90% of the actual cost not to exceed $180 in grant assistance per complete individual set of Wildland PPE ($200 per set of XXXL coveralls). RJ Thomas Coastal Bend Council of Governments Emergency Management Planner 2910 Leopard Street PO Box 9909 Corpus Christi, Tx 78469 361-883-5743 x261 361-883-5749 FAX |
| Texas Forest Service Grant Update |
| Grant Updates Texas Forest Service USSTC Polaris Ranger Program |
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| USSTC Polaris Ranger Program |
| 12/28/2005 Grant Program Provides First Responders With Polaris Ranger 6x6 Vehicles* Program web site : http://www.ustinc.com/uploadedFiles/RangerOnLineForm2.dot Sponsor : U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company <http://www.ussmokeless.com/> Deadlines : January 6, 2006 Purpose : U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company (USSTC) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting applications for versatile Polaris Ranger 6x6 utility vehicles to be awarded in 2006 through its Operation Ranger donation program to assist America's emergency first responders. The Company provided nearly 70 Rangers to fire-rescue, police, emergency medical services, emergency management and wildlife law enforcement organizations in 2005 and has awarded nearly 200 off-road vehicles nationwide since late 2002. Eligibility : Operation Ranger will review applications only from the following types of emergency organizations: Fire-Rescue Volunteer and Career Police/Sheriff Municipal/County/State EMS/Ambulance Search & Rescue Wildlife Conservation & Law Enforcement Park/Forest Ranger Emergency Management and Municipal/County/Regional Vehicles Grants are awarded through a competitive application process overseen by a review committee. The person submitting the application must have the authorization of the organization for which the vehicle is sought. Applications that provice relevant, to-th-point information fare better. Because the program is intended to help improve emergency response, we focus on the life-saving, property protection and emergency personnel assistance roles that applicants describe. Fancy binders are not necessary. Photos, videotapes, CDs, DVDs, maps and letters of endorsement can be used to supplement the basic application. To ease our paperwork burden, please submit all your materials as a package, if at all possible. We cannot accept applications through e-mail. The review committee acknowledges the receipt of all applications by mail. Applications must be received by Jan. 6, 2006 for consideration in the 2006 award period. Late applications will be returned. Winning applicants will receive both a phone call and written correspondence. Organizations ultimately not selected are notified by mail. Delivery of the utility vehicle to successful applicants is made through the closest Polaris dealer, usually within four to six weeks. Application can be downloaded at: http://www.ustinc.com/uploadedFiles/RangerOnLineForm2.dot You may also request a paper form by calling 203-622-3368. The application is not lengthy or complicated, so complete answers, organization and neatness are appreciated. Summaries of funding programs are provided by RAC for your convenience. Please contact the funder directly for the most complete and current information. David Nobles Texas Rural Foundation Direct: 512.936.6342 Toll Free: 800.544.2042 www.orca.state.tx.us Mailing Address Physical Address c/o ORCA 1700 North Congress Avenue Post Office Box 12877 Suite 220 Austin, Texas 78711 Austin, Texas 78701 RJ Thomas Coastal Bend Council of Governments Emergency Management Planner 2910 Leopard Street PO Box 9909 Corpus Christi, Tx 78469 361-883-5743 x261 361-883-5749 FAX |