Northeast Midland County Volunteer Fire Department receives equipment donation

MIDLAND, Texas (KOSA) - A donation of 1.1 million dollars from the Permian Strategic Partnership means the Permian Basin Road Safety Coalition can donate life-saving equipment for area first responders.

Last January, the first responder life-saving initiative was a pilot program with hopes of serving first responders across West Texas.

Now - fire, sheriff, and police departments in 22 counties will be recipients of new life-saving equipment.

The jaws of life are just one piece of the equipment donation that the Northeast Midland County Volunteer Fire Department received Wednesday.

“We’ve responded where we’ve needed extrication equipment, and we have some, but it’s old and outdated. This new battery-powered easy to use handheld equipment is a lot faster to use. It’s got more components to it than our normal tools do. It’s a great addition,” said Chief Jimmy Evans.

Chief Evans says the new gear will lead to quicker response times and a better chance of saving lives.

The volunteer fire department is currently raising money for a new station, so there isn’t much left for new equipment.

“We wouldn’t be able to afford this. We’re funded by donations, and this equipment is very expensive. We were fortunate enough to be involved with the Permian Basin Road Safety Coalition and Permian Strategic Partnership,” said Chief Evans.

The first responder life-saving initiative was created after the PBRSC met with 90 first responders who said their greatest need was better equipment.

“We are able to answer the first responders’ call for help. We are always used to calling them for help, calling 911. This is the reverse of that. We’re able to answer their call for help and put really valuable tools in their hands that we know are going to save lives.”

The PBRSC will be distributing more equipment to first responding agencies across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico very soon.

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