Three firefighters were injured Wednesday at a wildland fire in Hood County started by welding sparks.

Two firefighters were treated for heat exhaustion. A third firefighter had to be airlifted to Parkland Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation and burns to his face and arms. All three are recovering from their injuries.

The fire, started Wednesday by a welder, quickly grew to 300 acres in the Tolar area. Firefighters planned to continue working the fire on Thursday.

Cresson Volunteer Fire Department reported that its brush truck stalled at the fire scene and, with the fire approaching, firefighters retreated to a safe area. Another truck picked them up and assisted them to safety.

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28) announced $1,275,000 in federal funds for the construction of a new fire station in La Joya (TX), covering 75 percent of the cost of the new station, according to a news release from the congressman.

The current fire station is nearly 30 years old and does not meet standard building code requirements. The new building will serve the growing population with state-of-the-art construction that can better serve the community in the case of an emergency.

“The new La Joya Fire Station will provide our firefighters with the tools they require to better serve our community. The station will also meet all building requirements to guarantee the safety of our firefighters. This will result in a more efficient service and faster response times for the city of La Joya,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This new station is a top priority for the community and for our fire fighters who risk their lives daily. I want to thank Chief Frankie Joe Salinas and the La Joya Fire Department for their continuous service to our community. Your work is essential for the wellbeing of our citizens.”

“The funding allocated for the new fire station is much needed for our community and the areas our fire department respond too because we will now have a secured building that will be able to house the proper equipment need to fight fires, provide medical attention and respond to vehicle accidents,” said La Joya Fire Chief Frankie Joe Salinas. “This facility will also have a training room that will be utilized by the fire department’s and the police department’s personnel to conduct classroom and hands on training.  Our current facility is not in reliable or proper conditions for storing our equipment or have proper security measure to keeping our personnel safe.”

As a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Cuellar continues to prioritize the funding needs of Texas-28 and secured the funding for this project in the FY22 cycle.

The federal funds will cover 75% of the total cost of the new fire station. The total cost of the project is $1,700,000. It is estimated that it will take 12 months to complete the construction of the new station.

The Fire Apparatus Manufacturers’ Association (FAMA) awarded its 2022 Phillip L. Turner Fire Protection Scholarship to University of New Haven student Andrew Tivadar.

Lou Milanovich, FAMA Education Committee Chair, stated: “Not only is Andrew an active volunteer firefighter, he is also a very driven and passionate student at the University of New Haven. He plans to graduate next May with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Protection Engineering with a minor in Civil Engineering. As Andrew successfully balances being a full-time student, while serving as a volunteer firefighter and working two jobs, he is well deserving of the Phillip L. Turner Scholarship.”

Dedicated to protecting the citizens of his hometown, Tivadar is an active member of the Long Hill Fire Department in Trumbull, Connecticut. Tivadar joined the department in December 2017 and now holds the following certifications: Fire I, Fire II, Aerial Operator, and Hazmat Awareness and Operations. He is a Driver/Engineer for the engine and the rescue truck at his station. Recently, Tivadar received the Chief’s Award for Outstanding Dedication to the department and currently serves on their Board of Directors.

To pay for his education, Tivadar currently works as both a small engine mechanic and as a fire protection consultant while maintaining his position on the Dean’s List. As a fire protection consultant, Tivadar analyzes drawings and performs building surveys to evaluate the condition and code compliance of buildings, fire alarms and fire protection systems and designs. He witnesses the testing of fire alarms and fire protection systems and assists in the preparation of construction documents and specifications for fire alarm and fire protection designs.

The Phillip L. Turner Scholarship is awarded annually by FAMA and has been sponsored by the Akron Brass Company since 2009. Akron Brass is a worldwide marketer and manufacturer of high-performance life safety, firefighting, and emergency rescue equipment. Hale Products joined Akron Brass in 2021 to support the highly desirable scholarship. Hale builds high-quality firefighting equipment and is known for its exceptional quality and advanced technology. Akron Brass and Hale Products are IDEX Fire & Safety brands and are FAMA members.

“As leaders in innovative fire suppression products for more than 100 years, we value the importance of education and its role in leading the next generation in shaping the future of the fire and rescue service. Akron Brass and Hale Products are honored to continue our partnership with FAMA and the Phillip L Turner scholarship program. We are thrilled to recognize Andrew Tivadar as this year’s scholarship recipient,” said Brian Houk, Vice President, IDEX Fire & Safety. On behalf of FAMA, we wish Andrew Tivadar a successful career in fire protection engineering

A West Covina (CA) Fire Department lost a utility truck to a thief who took it from a city yard next to the fire station early Tuesday morning (Aug. 2), according to a report published by the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

The red and white 2002 Ford crew cab flat bed truck, with warning lights, a siren and a radio, was taken from the city lot where it had been parked for maintenance, according to the report, that also said it was likely taken between 2 and 7 am on Tuesday morning.

A gas card issued to the stolen truck turned up in the possession of a homeless man and tipped authorities off the apparatus was missing, according to the report, which also said the man had no idea what happened to the truck indicating that he found the card.

The report also said police are looking at video surveillance footage to see what may have become of the truck.