The Ellis County Press: FD grant awarded to Garrett

FD grant awarded to Garrett
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Editor on 10/19/2006 00:00:00


SHERRY LONG
_The Ellis County Press_
GARRETT - The Garrett Area Rural Volunteer Fire Department is adding a fire
engine to their fleet thanks to a $180,975 grant from the U. S. Department of
Homeland Security.
The volunteer fire department must pay a matching fee of approximately $10,000.
Jan Wilkinson, the depart-ment's secretary, said the fire engine would be a
great addition to the two brush and two tanker trucks the department currently
owns.
'It will mean so much to our service area,' Jan Wilkinson, Garrett Area Rural
VFD secretary said.
'Now we can efficiently fight all fires.'
Wilkinson said the department had not yet ordered a truck, but expected it would
happen soon.
She estimated the truck should arrive within nine months.
'The Garrett Area Rural Volunteer Fire Department is on hand to help the
community when needed and I am grateful for their services,' said U.S. Rep. Joe
Barton, R-Ennis. 'This grant to help them obtain a vehicle will further enhance
their efforts in responding to emergencies in the area.'
Protecting the Garrett rural area since 1954, the department's only funding
comes from fundraisers and donations, because it doesn't receive tax money from
the county.