The Yantis Volunteer Fire Department hosted a National Night Out event on Tuesday, Oct. 6, bringing families and neighbors together for an evening of activities and an opportunity to learn more about the department.
Attendees enjoyed fire station and truck tours, safety displays and drone demonstrations. Sweet Fellowship Church provided cookies and other treats for those attending.
The event also gave the department an opportunity to show off its recently acquired 3,000-gallon tanker truck, purchased with the help of grant funding and local contributions.
The Yantis VFD was awarded $300,000 for a water tender through the Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The program provides funding to help volunteer fire departments purchase equipment and obtain training.
According to information released by the Texas A&M Forest Service in October 2025, volunteer fire departments across Texas received approximately $164 million through the program, including more than $28 million awarded to East Texas departments.
Several other Wood County fire departments were also awarded funding. Winnsboro, Perryville and Lands End each received $265,000 for large brush trucks, while Mineola received $165,000 for a small brush truck. Quitman and Ogburn Fire Rescue each received $45,000 for slip-on units, and Coke/Pleasant Grove received $300,000 for a water tender.
The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize Yantis Fire Chief Wesley “Wes” Crist, who is celebrating 49 years as a firefighter this month. Crist has spent most of those years serving the Yantis community.
A third-generation firefighter, Crist comes from a family with a long history in the fire service. His great-grandson attended the event, giving Crist an opportunity to reflect on the family’s tradition.
“When he grows up, he will be the sixth generation of firefighters in the family,” Crist said.
The event gave residents an opportunity to visit with local firefighters, see the department’s equipment and learn more about the work of the volunteers who serve the Yantis area.