The Texas A&M Forest Service recently awarded nearly $5 million to 118 rural volunteer fire departments across the state - including two from Brown County - to support firefighting equipment and emergency response needs.

The Early Fire Department will receive $25,000 for fire and rescue equipment while the Blanket Volunteer Fire Department will receive$25,000 for personal protective equipment.

The $4. 99 million awarded Aug. 26 will help departments purchase firefighting apparatus, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing and other resources needed to safely and effectively respond to emergencies in their communities.