Twelve East Texas Fire Departments Awarded $3.2 Million for New Trucks and Equipment

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Volunteer fire departments across East Texas are set to receive new trucks and equipment through record Texas A&M Forest Service funding. Twelve departments across Jasper, Tyler, and Newton counties were included in the $3.2 million allocation.

EAST TEXAS — Volunteer firefighters across three East Texas counties are getting a major boost, as more than $3.2 million in new state funding will deliver modern trucks and firefighting equipment to 12 rural departments.

The awards come through the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, part of a record-breaking $164 million investment in rural fire protection — the largest in state history.

“These grants give our volunteers the dependable, modern equipment they need to protect lives and property,” said a Tyler County fire official. “It’s one of the biggest boosts rural fire service has ever seen.”

JASPER COUNTY – $1,155,000 Total

• Jasper Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000)

• Kirbyville Volunteer Fire Department — Small Brush Truck ($165,000) & Slip-On Unit ($45,000)

• Roganville Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000)

• Beech Grove Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000) & Slip-On Unit ($45,000)

 TYLER COUNTY – $1,545,000 Total

• Dam B Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000)

• Ivanhoe Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000)

• The Shady Grove Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000)

• Warren Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000)

• Woodville Volunteer Fire Department — Water Tender ($300,000) & Slip-On Unit ($45,000)

NEWTON COUNTY – $565,000 Total

• South Newton County ESD No. 1 — Water Tender ($300,000)

• Toledo Bend Volunteer Fire Department — Large Brush Truck ($265,000)

Strengthening Rural Fire Protection

The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, established in 2001, helps small departments purchase essential equipment, vehicles, and training resources. Since its creation, the program has invested more than $500 million statewide — replacing fleets that, in many cases, have been in service for over 30 years.

During the 89th Texas Legislative Session, lawmakers approved $88 million in base funding for the next biennium and a one-time $192 million allocation for departments with long-pending requests — allowing many rural agencies to finally replace aging trucks and gear.

“This shows the state hasn’t forgotten rural firefighters,” said one Tyler County volunteer. “These new units mean faster response times, safer operations, and a lot of pride for small communities.”

Texas A&M Forest Service officials said additional funding rounds for protective gear, training, and communications equipment will continue into 2026. Departments can apply and track progress through FireConnect, the agency’s online grant portal.

For East Texas, this investment represents more than money — it’s a commitment to the volunteers who answer the call day and night, often with limited resources but unlimited dedication.