Grant Application for
Rowlett Christmas Tornado First Responders

After the 12-26-15 tornado relief effort ended, Rowlett Strong realized that the spirit of our area residents was and is still extremely grateful for all the first responders in Rowlett and all the neighboring communities that came to help in our town’s greatest time of need. We wanted to show that our gratitude doesn’t end when the relief effort ends. Thus was born our First Response Appreciation fund.

The police, fire, OEM and public works departments that responded from all over North Texas and even Oklahoma came to help citizens of Rowlett, as well as those from other affected areas, when the residents needed it the most. Now we want to help members of those departments when they need it most.

first re·spond·er

First responders from those cities and towns that responded to the Rowlett tornado in the days and weeks following 12-26-15 may apply.

Our first annual First Response Appreciation Gala was successful in raising enough funds for us to be able to offer some small grants to members of those departments. The grant application window is now open.

Qualifying events might include a loss of a home due to a natural disaster or fire, sudden loss of family breadwinner, sudden tragic illness, etc. If in doubt, go ahead and apply. We have a team of reviewers that will make decisions based on the applications received. This is our first year and funds are limited.

Below is the list of departments that responded to the 12-26-15 Christmas tornado aftermath in Rowlett. This list was supplied to Rowlett Strong by the City of Rowlett. You must be a member of one of those departments to apply, however, you need not have actually responded personally to the tornado aftermath. If your department responded and isn’t listed, please use the contact form to let us know. We don’t want to leave anyone out. We’ve already found one error/omission in the list and there could be more.

The list below only contains municipal first response agencies but there were countless volunteer organizations and individuals that aided the recovery in Rowlett. We couldn’t possibly list them all even if we had a complete list, but know that efforts from all involved were and are very much appreciated. Rowlett couldn’t have done it without you all.

Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office

Rockwall Fire Department

Rockwall Office of Emergency Management

Rockwall Public Works

Rowlett Fire Department

Rowlett Office of Emergency Management

Rowlett Police Department

Rowlett Public Works

Royse City Fire Department

Sachse Fire Department

Sachse Office of Emergency Management

Sherman Police Department

Southlake Office of Emergency Management

Terrell Fire Department

Texas Department of Public Safety

Texas Division of Emergency Management—Garland

Texas Task Force 1

Texas Task Force 2

Trenton Volunteer Fire Department

University Park Public Works

Waxahachie Police Association

Wylie Fire Department

Wylie Office of Emergency Management

FIRST RESPONDER GRANT APPLICATION FORM