Editor's Note: This article was originally provided by Mt. Vernon Fire Chief Blake Sheffield of the Mt. Vernon Fire Department. MVNow is pleased to share it on the department's behalf to help keep the community informed about this important addition to Franklin County's emergency response capabilities.
MT. VERNON, Texas — The Mt. Vernon Fire Department has officially taken delivery of a new fire engine made possible through a partnership between the Texas A&M Forest Service, Franklin County, and the City of Mt. Vernon.
The project began in 2013 when the Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department submitted a tanker grant application through the Texas A&M Forest Service's Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. In Oct. 2025, the department was awarded a $300,000 cost-share grant. As the department's operational needs had evolved over the years, local leaders determined that replacing an aging front-line fire engine would better serve the community than purchasing a tanker.
Working together, Franklin County Judge Scott Lee, the Franklin County Commissioners Court, and the City of Mt. Vernon combined the Texas A&M Forest Service grant with county funding to purchase a new fire engine that will serve not only the City of Mt. Vernon but all of Franklin County.
The new Engine 1 is a modern Spartan fire apparatus equipped to respond to structure fires, vehicle accidents, medical emergencies, and technical rescues. The apparatus carries the department's newest battery-powered Hurst rescue tools, allowing firefighters to perform vehicle extrications quickly and efficiently anywhere in Franklin County.
This investment builds on the successful interlocal agreement that took effect on October 1, 2025, when the City of Mt. Vernon and Franklin County partnered to provide full-time fire protection throughout Franklin County, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The agreement was established to strengthen emergency services by supporting both the city's career/volunteer firefighters and the county's volunteer fire departments during a time when volunteer firefighter recruitment continues to decline nationwide.
The success of this partnership extends far beyond the Mt. Vernon Fire Department. Through the Texas A&M Forest Service grant program and the continued support of the Franklin County Commissioners Court, the South Franklin Volunteer Fire Department received a new tanker and rescue equipment, the North Franklin Volunteer Fire Department received a new brush truck, and the Purley Volunteer Fire Department received rescue equipment and a brush truck skid unit.
These cost-share grants, combined with local funding assistance from Franklin County, have enabled departments across the county to place modern, reliable equipment into service, strengthening emergency response capabilities for every citizen of Franklin County.
The department also recognizes the support of Sheriff Ricky Jones and the Franklin County Commissioners Court for purchasing a new set of battery-powered Hurst rescue tools earlier this year. The tools are mounted on the new fire engine and will enhance rescue operations throughout Franklin County.
The Mt. Vernon Fire Department extends its sincere appreciation to the Texas A&M Forest Service, Franklin County Judge Scott Lee, the Franklin County Commissioners Court, Sheriff Ricky Jones, the Mt. Vernon City Council, and each of the volunteer fire departments throughout Franklin County for their continued commitment to public safety.
