Texas A&M Forest Service awarded nearly $20 million to 518 rural volunteer fire departments across the state Friday to support firefighting equipment and emergency response capabilities.

The $19. 6 million will help departments purchase firefighting apparatus, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing and other essential resources needed to safely and effectively respond to emergencies in their communities.

From Brown County, Early received $30,000 for personal protective equipment, Winchell and Zephyr each received $30,000 for fire and rescue equipment, and Blanket received $15,000 for training aids.