Trout Creek VFD Announces New Leadership and Celebrates $25,000 Texas A&M Forest Service Grant
- Rita Shipp
- Dec 8, 2025
- 2 min read
The Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Department ended the year on a high note Monday night as Newton County Emergency Service District No. 2 convened its December 8, 2025 board meeting at Station 17400 on Highway 87. During the Fire Chief’s report, commissioners were updated on a recent award notification from the Texas A&M Forest Service. Following the meeting, Trout Creek VFD publicly announced that the department has been granted a $25,000 Fire/Rescue Grant that will support new equipment purchases to strengthen emergency response across the Trout Creek community.
According to department leadership, this grant will directly support the purchase of new equipment essential to improving service delivery and emergency response across the Trout Creek community.
“This funding is a tremendous boost for our department and the citizens we serve,” Fire Chief Jamie Bragg shared. “Every upgrade to our equipment increases our readiness, safety, and ability to protect our neighbors.”
2025 Election of VFD Officers
The Trout Creek VFD proudly announced its leadership lineup for the coming year:
Fire Chief: Jamie Bragg
Assistant Chief: Bill Tryck
Secretary/Treasurer: Alisa Bragg
Training Officer: Howard West
Chaplain: Joseph Dixson
Truck Captains & Co-Captains
Newton County ESD #2 Meeting Highlights
All commissioners present; quorum established
Board members in attendance included President Leon Thornton, Vice-President Wayne Morrow, Secretary/Treasurer Howard West, and Commissioners Tommy Mulhollan and Robert Samuel.
Public notice of the meeting was verified, and the board moved through its agenda efficiently.
Treasurer’s Report
Bank Balance: $14,159.10
Business Checking: $50,491.76
3-Year Fixed Annuity: Invested September 2024
Commissioners unanimously approved the treasurer’s report and payment of outstanding bills.
Fire Chief’s Operational Report
Chief Jamie Bragg provided updates on:
Recent run reports and membership
Progress on the new motor for Unit #46
Confirmation of the Texas A&M Forest Service grant award
Additional District Business
The board reviewed:
EMS updates for Newton County
Preliminary budget considerations for 2025
Routine district operations
The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Minutes submitted by: Howard West, Secretary/Treasurer
A Win for Rural Fire Protection
The $25,000 Fire/Rescue Grant reinforces not only Trout Creek VFD’s operational capability but the broader mission of Newton County’s emergency services network.
This investment translates into stronger response times, safer operations, and enhanced support for residents across the district.
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