VFD’s Need Better Communication Equipment
Several members of Glasscock County’s volunteer fire departments told the commissioners’ court at its regular meeting Jan. 10 of a serious need for better communications equipment. Spending several days recently helping fight huge wildfires just south and east of Glasscock County pointed up some pressing needs.
VFD spokesman Russell Halfmann said local firefighters need better equipment and more of it to communicate with other counties’ units, which is critically important in fighting wildfires. He said there is also a need for a hand-held radio, maybe of a different type, to hand to ranchers who could then direct trucks through pastures and to water reservoirs. He also said most of the departments’ pagers, used to notify volunteers of an emergency, are in need of repair and many need replacing.
He said volunteers recognize the expense of the communications equipment, but consider it essential to their work in protecting the county. He said nothing volunteers are asking for is extravagant, and won’t sit on the shelf, unused. Halfmann said digital equipment may be out of reach right now, but upgrading is essential, even if newer analog equipment is all we can afford.
Special Truck Tires Needed
Halfmann said the department trucks need specialized tires, which can withstand hazards such as pasture stumps. He said four tires were blown out on Glasscock County fire trucks in just one night in the recent wildfire, at a cost of $200 each. He said special, logging-type tires are more expensive, but would save money over the long run.
Halfmann said, other than communications problems, the local VFD’s equipment is in pretty good shape overall, and needs to be kept up, since it is not only the firefighter’s weapon for doing his job, but also his protection. He commended the commissioners’ court for its support; he said the fireguards the county is dozing around Garden City are great protection, and he hopes for more.
Halfmann repeatedly praised Deputy Sheriff Keith Burnett for the help he gives firefighters and EMS teams. He said Burnett is at the scene as often as he can be, and provides valuable information and support. He also said Constable Mark Frysak has done an excellent job.
The court authorized Halfmann to check into upgrading the communications equipment, and to come back to them with cost estimates for what is needed.