Fire Departments in Texas’ Border Zone Awarded $1M in Grants

Professional fire departments along the Texas-Mexico border region will be sharing $1 million in grant funding through the Border Zone Fire Department (BZFD) program, according to the office of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.

The funds will provide specialized equipment, maintenance, and medical supplies to support emergency services associated with the execution of border security activities, including:

• Watercraft (boats) and related equipment (personal flotation devices, tow tethers, etc.) which allow fire departments to assist in border operations along the Rio Grande River;
• Extrication equipment (Jaws of Life cutter, spreader, ram) for vehicle accidents often related to high-speed pursuits involving human smuggling attempts; and
• Chemical detectors/identifiers and communications equipment for responding to cartel terrorism involving hazardous materials (HAZMAT) situations.

Local jurisdictions receiving funding through the BZFD program include Brownsville, El Paso, Hidalgo, La Grulla, Laredo, Mercedes, Palmview, Rio Grande City, Robstown, Roma, San Juan and Jim Hogg County.

The Governor’s Homeland Security Grants Division (HSGD) administers the state-funded Border Zone Fire Department program, which was created during the 86^th Legislative Session. HSGD posted the request for applications under the BZFD last fall and completed its review of proposed projects after consulting with the Texas Commission on Fire Protection (TCFP) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Rep. Oscar Longoria (District 35), vice-chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in securing funds for the BZFD.

Topics Texas