UPFD Receives Grant to Boost Training
In the fire service, saving lives is only part of the job. Firefighters spend countless hours training and honing their skills to ensure they’re prepared to respond to any emergency.
So that’s where the University Park Fire Department will use its $5,469 grant it received on Tuesday from Ragland, Strother & Lafitte and Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company. The grant will purchase training props, skills stations, and technical evolution simulators for the department’s training tower.
“Firefighters put themselves in grave danger every day,” said UPFD chief Randy Howell. “It’s critical they have the proper training and education to do their jobs safely and effectively. The result is a community whose residents are better protected.”
The grant is part of a nationwide philanthropic program funded by Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, providing equipment, training, and educational tools to local fire department and burn prevention organizations. Since 2004, FFIC has awarded grants to more than 2,100 different organizations totaling more than $31 million — including more than $1.7 million in Texas. Through this program, Ragland, Strother & Lafitte has directed more than $22,000 in grants to fire departments in the Dallas area.
