What is the Helping Hands Program ?

The Helping Hands Program was created by the 75th Texas Legislature (HB 680). This program provides liability relief to industry, business, cities and others who donate surplus fire and emergency equipment to the Texas A&M Forest Service. The donated equipment is then distributed to fire departments around the state. 

Departments interested in requesting equipment through this program should submit an Application for Rural Fire Defense Assistance.  Requests will be filled as equipment becomes available. All equipment assigned will become the property of the volunteer fire department.

TFS is required by law to have all SCBAs recertified before assignment. There will be a small certification fee for each SCBA assigned, with a limit of four SCBAs provided per application. As requests are approved, departments will be contacted to arrange payment of the recertification fees. There are no other charges associated with this program.

How to apply...
Application for Fire Department Assistance - Volunteer Programs 

Make a donation...
Donation Instructions 
Donation Form

Quicklinks...
Application for Texas Certificate of Title
HB-680  

Since 1997, the Helping Hands Program has received more than $18.5 million in donated equipment, including 171 vehicles and 3,848 breathing apparatus.

For more information
Call 936-639-8100
Email: helpinghands@tfs.tamu.edu