Hedley firefighters get $45,000 gear gift

Every Hedley volunteer firefighter will soon have new, up-to-date protective gear for the first time thanks to a $45,000 donation last Friday from the 100 Club of the Texas Panhandle.

The donation will pay for structural and/or wildland firefighting gear for all Hedley Volunteer Fire Department firefighters. The department has relied on hand-me-down equipment for years and has struggled to keep its firefighters properly outfitted.

“We are very grateful to the 100 Club for this generous donation to help our fire department,” Hedley Fire Chief Clayton Beagle said.

The 100 Club said the donation followed a long-standing request from the Hedley department.

“Being a tiny community, it’s hard to raise the money needed for a large expense,” the organization said. “They were patient and grateful for any amount we could help with.”

The 100 Club typically provides equipment assistance during emergency situations, such as major wildfires. The organization noted the toll recent fires have taken on first responders, including the largest wildfire in Texas history in 2024 and more than 20 wildfires in the Texas Panhandle in May alone.

The organization said Hedley firefighters deserved the equipment needed to do their jobs safely.

“We are so thankful for the work they do every day to serve and protect us and our communities and wanted them to have what they need to do it safely,” the 100 Club said.

Friday’s check presentation included Phyl Nickum Golden, one of the 100 Club’s first board members, and Randall Curtis, a lifetime member and retired first responder. Curtis was accompanied by Rocket, his retired bomb dog and the 100 Club’s first canine member. Ace, Golden’s dog, recently became the organization’s second canine member.