New Nonprofit Hopes to Help Texas Firefighters

Oct. 22--It was a dream that was born this spring when the larger wildfires started plaguing West Texas, threatening homes and destroying resources.

In the 17 surrounding counties that make up the Permian Basin, Midland Fire Department Chief Robert Isbell said he began to realize how much the area relied on the assistance of volunteer firefighters when the wildfire season started.

"There are very few large, paid departments," he said.

The bulk of those protecting the area are on "shoestring budgets" and already have depleted many of their funds and resources. Isbell said he discovered there are more than 50 departments and agencies that work in the fire protection field in the Permian Basin. About 16.25 percent of the total acreage within the Basin has been burned this year because of wildfires.

Isbell said he wanted to start something that could support and help those in need.

Recently, the Permian Basin Firemen's Fund was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The organization's first fundraiser, a clay shooting event at Jake's Clays in Midland County, is scheduled for Nov. 11.

All money raised at the event will go directly to the area agencies and departments to help them replenish their funds after this year's drastic fire season.

Isbell, founder of the organization, said he hopes the nonprofit can raise enough money to meet the greater needs of some of the agencies and firefighters.

Nonprofit officials hope to have at least 500 people signed up for the shoot. Midland firefighters with the department's association have volunteered to cook lunch at the event, work behind the scenes and assist sponsors and participants.

There will be two events, one scheduled in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch served between them. There will be more than 50 gun giveaways during lunch and an auction for a dove hunting trip for two in Argentina that an outfitter donated, officials said.

The gun giveaways include a Baserri over and under shotgun, an Italian-made gun that is new to the sporting market, Isbell said.

Depending how this first event goes, Isbell said it could become an annual fundraiser for the organization. The Firemen's Fund also is looking to hold charitable events in other counties.

With his 30 years experience in the fire service, he said he can relate to some of the struggles the smaller fire departments face. Isbell said many are without funds and their firefighters are using their own money to put gas in their vehicles and fix equipment.

The money the fund collects will be used to help those struggling. Because drought conditions are still present, Isbell said there still will be a need to help those fighting fires.

"If I believed this was a one-time event, we probably wouldn't be here. But according to the National Weather Service, the wildfire season is expected to continue," he said.

For more information, call Jake's Clays at 570-0290 or e-mail [email protected].

Audrie Palmer can be reached at [email protected].

Sponsorships for the event:

Firehouse:

- $10,000

- Includes two six-man teams and carts with name on event map, webpage, event signage and recognition at event.

Ladder Truck:

- $7,500

- Includes one six-man team and carts with name on webpage, event signage and recognition at event.

Tanker:

- $5,000

- Includes one six-man team, name on webpage and recognition at event.