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I Support Volunteer Firefighters

Texans know how dangerous wildfires can be. But did you know that 70 to 80 percent of the state's fire service is covered by volunteer fire departments? These brave men and women risk their lives to provide an important and dangerous service. Unfortunately, many volunteer firefighters in Texas have to fight wildland fires in their street clothes, for lack of proper lightweight, fire retardant suits. These special suits are available from the Texas Forest Service, but many volunteer fire departments lack the funds to purchase them.

You can help.

IIAT has donated $200,000 to a fund established by the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association (SFFMA) specifically to buy firefighting gear for volunteer firefighters. You can participate by making a contribution to the Volunteer Firefighters Assistance Fund, part of the IIAT Trusted Choice Foundation, which is a 501(c)3. Contributions are eligible for tax deductions. One hundred percent of these funds will go directly to SFFMA to be used to buy these very important protective suits. Contribute online or send your contribution to the IIAT Trusted Choice Foundation, P.O. Box 684487, Austin, TX 78768. Please specify that your contribution is for the Volunteer Firefighters Assistance Fund.

Firefighter Comments

"I would like to pass along our deepest gratitude for your continued support of the SFFMA and firemen across the state of Texas. Most cities are going through a financial hardship right now and Celina is no different.

'We have a combination staff of 11 paid firefighters (who predominantly run the EMS division) and 50 volunteers. The 50 volunteers are the backbone of the fire response of our organization and we could not provide the level of service that we do without them. However, the city is our only guaranteed funding source. The city funds the fire department to maintain our equipment and pay the salaries/benefits of the 11 paid staff. Most of the funding for outfitting our volunteers in proper personal protective equipment and uniforms comes in the form of donations/grants. We are very excited about the possibility of getting awarded a portion of the grant that your company made possible. Thank you again for your support and please let me know if we can do anything for you or your company."

Kyle Mills
Division Chief-Operations
Celina Fire Department

"I would like to extend our appreciation for what you are doing for the Volunteer Fire Departments with assistance to obtain Wildland Firefighting PPE. The majority of the departments have depleted their operating budgets or do not have a budget and this will be a start in getting the departments get into much needed PPE. Again Thank You and the IIAT."

Fire Chief Freddie Rainwater
Slaton Fire Department

VFDs Helped by IIAT contributions as of Oct. 24, 2011

Will my donation go to my local Volunteer Fire Department?

While we can't guarantee which VFDs will benefit, we know that this is not just a West Texas problem. Wildland fires have consumed over two-million acres this year in Texas, mostly in Central and West Texas. However, VFDs from all over the state have responded to the call to help fight these fires. These departments have depleted their funds this spring, and their personnel are least prepared to fight this type of fire safely. This program will help VFDs all over Texas.

Will my contribution to the IIAT Trusted Choice Foundation be used for any other purpose by IIAT or by the State Firemen's and Fire Marshals' Association?

No. If you designate on your check the Volunteer Firefighters Assistance Fund, we guarantee that 100 percent of your money will go to buy protective suits for volunteer firefighters. SFFMA is aware that funds coming from the IIAT Trusted Choice Foundation are to be used for this purpose only.

Doesn't the government support these Volunteer Fire Departments?

Not entirely. Some VFDs get grants from the state or the federal government, but most rely largely on local giving and fundraisers. The distribution of these suits will be based partly on a needs application process.

Media Coverage of Assistance Fund Press Conference

Press Conference Photos

Press Conference Video Clip - Texas Department of Agriculture