The Texas A&M Forest Service awarded $19.6 million to 518 rural volunteer fire departments, including four in Colorado County. The awards were made through the agency's Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program on Oct. 23 as part of the first funding round of the 2027 fiscal year.
Columbus Volunteer Fire Department and Eagle Lake Volunteer Fire Department will each receive $30,000 for fire and rescue equipment. Frelsburg Volunteer Fire Department will receive $30,000 for personal protective equipment.
Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department will receive $15,000 for training aids.