Tag: PR Newswire

As a leader in the canned seafood industry, Chicken of the Sea levels up sustainability efforts with MSC Certification

PITTSBURGH, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In honor of World Tuna Day, Chicken of the Sea International, owned by Thai Union Group, has announced that all Chicken of the Sea branded retail tuna products will achieve Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certification by the end of 2026, making it the first of the big three mainstream U.S. tuna brands to achieve 100% MSC certification and carry the MSC blue fish ecolabel across its entire retail portfolio.

The MSC Certification confirms that tuna in every Chicken of the Sea product has been sourced from fisheries that demonstrate:

• Environmentally sustainable fishing practices from healthy tuna populations
• Minimized environmental and ecosystem impacts
• Effective fishery management practices

“This certification is not a marketing label. It is proof of responsibility,” said Andy Mecs, President of Chicken of the Sea International. “By the end of the year, every retail size can and pouch that we pack will carry the assurance that our tuna comes from an environmentally sustainable fishery and supports healthy oceans. We’re grateful to the Marine Stewardship Council for their rigorous standards and partnership in making this vision possible.”

Certification Scope & Global Impact

For more than a decade, Chicken of the Sea’s parent company, Thai Union, has made investments in tuna fishery improvement projects through considerable time spent working with fishing industry experts, vessel owners and government officials to improve the fisheries and enable them to pass their MSC assessments. Thai Union’s work with fisheries spans approximately 10% of global tuna catches. The years of hard work with partners on the ground and a commitment to sustainability have set Chicken of the Sea up for the opportunity to roll out MSC certification across its line.

This certification also positions Chicken of the Sea as an important player in Thai Union’s SeaChange 2030 initiative, a company-wide commitment to reshaping sustainability processes in the seafood industry by 2030, while supporting marine ecosystem health and coastal community resilience.

“We are proud to partner with Chicken of the Sea as they continue to demonstrate leadership in their category and in the seafood industry overall. Today’s announcement marks an exciting milestone – bringing more MSC certified sustainable tuna to consumers across the United States. This commitment is a meaningful step toward recognizing and supporting the fisheries and businesses worldwide that are dedicated to sustainability and to ensuring healthy oceans and seafood for future generations,” said Laura McDearis, U.S. Program Director of the Marine Stewardship Council. 

About Chicken of the Sea International

Chicken of the Sea understands one universal truth – good food makes you feel good! That’s why we are dedicated to bringing wild caught happiness to every household by delivering convenient and affordable protein options made with the best sourced seafood for more than 100 years. Whether you’re getting creative in the kitchen or just looking for an on-the-go snack, Chicken of the Sea has something for you, including an expansive portfolio of tuna, salmon, clams, crab, oysters, mackerel and sardines in cans, packets, kits and cups We also believe we can’t be truly healthy and happy if our world isn’t too, which is why we’re supporting SeaChange 2030, Thai Union’s sustainability pledge. Chicken of the Sea is committed to being stewards of the sea and our society and is always looking for ways to do more and do better. To learn more about which Chicken of the Sea product is the one for you, visit www.chickenofthesea.com or follow Chicken of the Sea on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and Pinterest.

About the Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organization which sets globally recognized standards for sustainable fishing and the seafood supply chain. Fisheries representing 20% of the world’s wild marine catch are engaged in its certification program. For more information, visit msc.org or MSC blue fish on Instagram.

Media Contact
Jessica Petty
HUNTER
Email: jpetty@hunterpr.com 

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SOURCE Chicken of the Sea®

Organization Assembles 2,000 Classroom Kits to Power Hands-On Summer Learning Experiences.

SANTA ANA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Think Together, a division of Think Education, hosted its third annual Think Together, Build Together kit build event, bringing together donors, volunteers and community partners to support summer learning for students statewide.

This year’s initiative aimed to fund and assemble over 2,000 classroom kits designed to support hands-on academic and enrichment activities throughout Think Together’s summer programs. Through sponsorships,  $160,000 was raised to cover the costs of the kits.  

Volunteers and sponsorship support came from local organizations including the Assistance League of Tustin, Orange and Villa Park NCL, Santa Ana Rotary, University Synagogue, Topgolf, Pioneer Circuits, RMH Dancing, Pacific Life, State Farm, and Trinity United Presbyterian Church.

Over the past three years, Think Together, Build Together has grown into a signature volunteer event, engaging corporate partners, community members, and supporters in a hands-on effort to support student learning.

“If anyone’s thinking about getting involved or supporting Think Together, you know what I’d say? Just do it,” said Think Together board of directors member Tracy Hernandez, CEO of New California Coalition. “We need students to be well supported and inspired to be the best they can be as they grow up into the future.”

Research shows that extended breaks can lead to measurable learning loss, particularly in mathematics and early literacy, with some students losing a substantial portion of prior-year gains without structured enrichment. This can result in increased reteaching needs, slower instructional pacing and widening achievement gaps when students return to school.

Think Together’s summer model combines academic support with enrichment opportunities including STEM activities, arts education, sports, and real-world learning experiences. The classroom kits assembled through the event provide the materials that make these experiences possible.

“Summer learning plays a critical role in helping students maintain momentum,” said Think Education Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “These kits help ensure students return to school ready to learn, not needing to catch up.”

Last summer, Think Together served more than 26,000 students across 270 school sites. The organization’s summer programs are designed to keep students engaged in learning during a critical period when academic regression is common.

About Think Together

For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. A division of Think Education, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Education’s program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, school improvement and leadership development for teachers and school administrators.

For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org. 

Follow Think Education on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Follow Think Together on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/think-together-hosts-third-annual-think-together-build-together-volunteer-event-to-support-summer-learning-for-students-across-california-302760570.html

SOURCE Think Together

Organization Assembles 2,000 Classroom Kits to Power Hands-On Summer Learning Experiences.

SANTA ANA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Think Together, a division of Think Education, hosted its third annual Think Together, Build Together kit build event, bringing together donors, volunteers and community partners to support summer learning for students statewide.

This year’s initiative aimed to fund and assemble over 2,000 classroom kits designed to support hands-on academic and enrichment activities throughout Think Together’s summer programs. Through sponsorships,  $160,000 was raised to cover the costs of the kits.  

Volunteers and sponsorship support came from local organizations including the Assistance League of Tustin, Orange and Villa Park NCL, Santa Ana Rotary, University Synagogue, Topgolf, Pioneer Circuits, RMH Dancing, Pacific Life, State Farm, and Trinity United Presbyterian Church.

Over the past three years, Think Together, Build Together has grown into a signature volunteer event, engaging corporate partners, community members, and supporters in a hands-on effort to support student learning.

“If anyone’s thinking about getting involved or supporting Think Together, you know what I’d say? Just do it,” said Think Together board of directors member Tracy Hernandez, CEO of New California Coalition. “We need students to be well supported and inspired to be the best they can be as they grow up into the future.”

Research shows that extended breaks can lead to measurable learning loss, particularly in mathematics and early literacy, with some students losing a substantial portion of prior-year gains without structured enrichment. This can result in increased reteaching needs, slower instructional pacing and widening achievement gaps when students return to school.

Think Together’s summer model combines academic support with enrichment opportunities including STEM activities, arts education, sports, and real-world learning experiences. The classroom kits assembled through the event provide the materials that make these experiences possible.

“Summer learning plays a critical role in helping students maintain momentum,” said Think Education Founder and CEO Randy Barth. “These kits help ensure students return to school ready to learn, not needing to catch up.”

Last summer, Think Together served more than 26,000 students across 270 school sites. The organization’s summer programs are designed to keep students engaged in learning during a critical period when academic regression is common.

About Think Together

For over 25 years, Think Together has partnered with schools and communities to pursue educational opportunity and excellence for all kids. A division of Think Education, Think Together innovates, implements, and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students each year. Think Education’s program areas include early learning, afterschool programs, staffing, school improvement and leadership development for teachers and school administrators.

For more information, call (888) 485-THINK or visit www.thinktogether.org. 

Follow Think Education on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. Follow Think Together on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/think-together-hosts-third-annual-think-together-build-together-volunteer-event-to-support-summer-learning-for-students-across-california-302760570.html

SOURCE Think Together

MINNEAPOLIS, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is recognizing teachers across the United States with a 10% storewide discount during Teacher Appreciation Week, in addition to year-round benefits and local efforts as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting communities and creating growth and opportunity for all.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3-9, 2026, verified teachers who are members of Target’s free-to-join Target Circle loyalty program can receive 10% off one storewide purchase* — helping them save on everything from classroom supplies to off-duty summer style and self-care finds across beauty, home and everyday essentials.

Target also offers ongoing support for educators throughout the year. Verified teachers can receive over 50% off an annual Target Circle 360 membership**, which includes free, fast shipping, same-day delivery, monthly freebies and early access to select sales and collaborations. Additional teacher-focused offers are available during key shopping periods, including back-to-school, and the verification process has been simplified to make these benefits easier to access.

In local communities, Target stores will recognize teachers in select cities across the country. Store teams will work with local schools to deliver appreciation packages for educators, recognizing the impact they have on students and their communities.

“As the daughter and granddaughter of educators, I’ve seen firsthand the care, resilience and belief teachers pour into students every day. A teacher is often the first to say, ‘I see something in you,'” said Kiera Fernandez, executive vice president and chief community and stakeholder engagement officer, Target. “At Target, we see that impact every day. And it’s a powerful example of our long-standing commitment to strengthening communities and creating growth and opportunity for the next generation. During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re proud to recognize their impact and show our gratitude for all they do to support students, families and neighborhoods.”

Supporting teachers and schools is part of Target’s broader commitment to strengthening communities. In May, Target will partner with two local elementary schools, Trevista at Horace Mann in Denver and Martinez Elementary in Las Vegas, to upgrade student and teacher shared spaces and enhance outdoor learning areas as part of its Bullseye Builds with Community Program – a signature community activation that brings together Target’s volunteerism and design expertise to meet local needs.

About Target
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) brings together style, design and value to offer a distinct assortment and elevated shopping experience across more than 2,000 U.S. stores and online. Powered by more than 400,000 team members, Target serves millions of families each week and invests in the communities where they live and work to support growth and opportunity for all.

* Terms apply. One-time 10% discount on entire shopping trip, in store or online.

** Verified teachers pay $49/year for an annual membership (regular price $99/year).

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SOURCE Target Corporation

Brockton High School Students Premiere Original Films Exploring Mental Wellness and Leadership

Twenty-three student creators showcase cinematic takes on boundaries, bias, and leadership; selected works to advance to the National SALT 12 Film Festival.

BROCKTON, Mass., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brockton High School hosted the 2026 Brockton High School Film Festival, a community celebration of student voice and mental wellness. Organized by the nonprofit SALT ED Inc., the event premiered five original short films created by 23 students participating in the “Reel Funny” program.

Unlike traditional film programs, Reel Funny uses media production as a vehicle for personal growth rather than just technical instruction. The program guides students through a series of workshops focused on “soft skills”—including conflict resolution, recognizing internal bias, and establishing healthy personal boundaries. Students are then challenged to apply these lessons by collaborating in groups to write, produce, and edit their own films entirely independently.

A unique and critical component of the Reel Funny process is its integration of mental health professional oversight. Following the students’ film submissions, Eun Joo You, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Care Plus New Jersey, conducted a specialized screening of the works. This clinical review serves to evaluate student mental wellness and identify early signs of emotional distress, followed by direct engagement with the students to discuss their creative themes and overall well-being.

“The opportunity for our students to engage in this type of work is paramount to their development as well-rounded individuals,” said Kevin McCaskill, Principal of Brockton High School. “When we talk about preparing the next generation of leaders, we aren’t just talking about academics; we are talking about the emotional intelligence and self-awareness that programs like ‘Reel Funny’ provide. These films are a powerful reflection of their growth.”

The celebration invited friends, families, and local community members to acknowledge the leadership and vulnerability displayed by these young creators.

“This program empowers students to turn self-reflection into a leadership tool,” said Joonho Lee, CEO of Kbean®, a primary supporter of the initiative. “By giving students the autonomy to produce these films on their own terms, we see a level of authenticity that traditional education often misses.”

Looking Ahead: The SALT 12 National Showcase 
The Brockton High School festival serves as a qualifying event for the 3rd Annual SALT 12 Film Festival scheduled for the end of 2026. SALT 12 is a national platform that gathers the most impactful student films from across the country, allowing participants to share their voices with a public audience and compete for national recognition.

For more information about SALT ED Inc., the Reel Funny curriculum, or the upcoming SALT 12 National Showcase, please visit www.salt-ed.org.

About SALT ED Inc.
SALT ED Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth through media production, workforce development, and mental wellness initiatives. Their signature “Reel Funny” program helps students develop the emotional intelligence and leadership skills necessary to succeed as next-generation leaders.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-brockton-high-school-film-festival-302760519.html

SOURCE Kbean

Brockton High School Students Premiere Original Films Exploring Mental Wellness and Leadership

Twenty-three student creators showcase cinematic takes on boundaries, bias, and leadership; selected works to advance to the National SALT 12 Film Festival.

BROCKTON, Mass., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brockton High School hosted the 2026 Brockton High School Film Festival, a community celebration of student voice and mental wellness. Organized by the nonprofit SALT ED Inc., the event premiered five original short films created by 23 students participating in the “Reel Funny” program.

Unlike traditional film programs, Reel Funny uses media production as a vehicle for personal growth rather than just technical instruction. The program guides students through a series of workshops focused on “soft skills”—including conflict resolution, recognizing internal bias, and establishing healthy personal boundaries. Students are then challenged to apply these lessons by collaborating in groups to write, produce, and edit their own films entirely independently.

A unique and critical component of the Reel Funny process is its integration of mental health professional oversight. Following the students’ film submissions, Eun Joo You, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with Care Plus New Jersey, conducted a specialized screening of the works. This clinical review serves to evaluate student mental wellness and identify early signs of emotional distress, followed by direct engagement with the students to discuss their creative themes and overall well-being.

“The opportunity for our students to engage in this type of work is paramount to their development as well-rounded individuals,” said Kevin McCaskill, Principal of Brockton High School. “When we talk about preparing the next generation of leaders, we aren’t just talking about academics; we are talking about the emotional intelligence and self-awareness that programs like ‘Reel Funny’ provide. These films are a powerful reflection of their growth.”

The celebration invited friends, families, and local community members to acknowledge the leadership and vulnerability displayed by these young creators.

“This program empowers students to turn self-reflection into a leadership tool,” said Joonho Lee, CEO of Kbean®, a primary supporter of the initiative. “By giving students the autonomy to produce these films on their own terms, we see a level of authenticity that traditional education often misses.”

Looking Ahead: The SALT 12 National Showcase 
The Brockton High School festival serves as a qualifying event for the 3rd Annual SALT 12 Film Festival scheduled for the end of 2026. SALT 12 is a national platform that gathers the most impactful student films from across the country, allowing participants to share their voices with a public audience and compete for national recognition.

For more information about SALT ED Inc., the Reel Funny curriculum, or the upcoming SALT 12 National Showcase, please visit www.salt-ed.org.

About SALT ED Inc.
SALT ED Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underserved youth through media production, workforce development, and mental wellness initiatives. Their signature “Reel Funny” program helps students develop the emotional intelligence and leadership skills necessary to succeed as next-generation leaders.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-brockton-high-school-film-festival-302760519.html

SOURCE Kbean

First-of-its-Kind Coalition Formed to Secure the Passage of Federal Gray Wolf Delisting Legislation. With the Coalition already representing over 2 million Americans Nationwide, this partnership should grow the coalition to epic proportions.

MISSION, Kan., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hunter Nation is announcing the partnership of the Coalition to Delist the Gray Wolf, an alliance of national and state organizations committed to securing the removal of the gray wolf from the federal Endangered Species Act (ESA), without judicial review, and restoring wildlife management authority to the states. These organizations represent millions of hunters, ranchers, sportsmen, farmers, conservationists, and rural families.

This coalition partnership was formed following passage of the Pet and Livestock Protection Act (H.R. 845) in the U.S. House of Representatives, introduced by Congressman Tom Tiffany (WI-07) and Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (CO-04). Congresswoman Boebert said in a statement: “The science has been clear for years: gray wolves are fully recovered, and their resurgence deserves to be celebrated as a true conservation success story. It’s long past time to delist them and empower states to set their own management policies. I can’t wait for President Trump to sign this bill into law.”

Hunter Nation Founder and CEO Keith Mark issued a call to leading agricultural, conservation, hunting, and Second Amendment organizations nationwide to unite under a singular mission: permanent delisting of the gray wolf and restoration of science-based wildlife management. The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate.

“This is about returning wolf management to state wildlife professionals where it belongs,” said Keith Mark. “The gray wolf has met and exceeded recovery goals by every measure. Continuing federal control undermines the integrity of the Endangered Species Act and ignores the real-world impacts on farmers, ranchers, hunters, and rural communities. We are calling on the Senate to follow the lead of the House and act swiftly to pass this legislation.”

Hunter Nation has formally invited 19 leading national and state organizations to become members of the coalition.

Dave Duquette, the founder of Western Justice, praised Hunter Nation’s leadership and strategy on this issue, stating:

“Hunter Nation is the only organization that has effectively moved the ball forward on delisting the gray wolf at the national level. They have the strongest strategy, the grassroots infrastructure, and the political pathway to get this done. Western Justice is proud to stand alongside Hunter Nation in this coalition and help push the Pet and Livestock Protection Act across the finish line in the Senate” said Dave Duquette, Founder of Western Justice.

The Coalition to Delist the Gray Wolf will:

• Unite organizations that support science-based wildlife policy and abundant wildlife for all uses
• Educate elected officials and the public on why federal delisting is appropriate and necessary
• Amplify a coordinated national voice in support of state-led wolf management
• Build a sustainable advocacy framework capable of securing Senate passage and preventing future regulatory reversals

Organizations interested in joining the Coalition to Delist the Gray Wolf are encouraged to contact Hunter Nation directly at info@hunternation.org.

Hunter Nation is one of the nation’s leading grassroots hunting advocacy organizations, while Western Justice is the leading grassroots organization protecting the western lifestyle, both fighting to protect Traditional American values including God, Family, Country and the U.S. Constitution. With millions of hunters and ranchers across the country, these organizations are committed to ensuring that the voices of America’s ranchers, sportsmen and women are heard at every level of government.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hunter-nation-partners-with-western-justice-to-form-an-undeniable-alliance-to-delist-the-gray-wolf-302760448.html

SOURCE Hunter Nation

Largest sponsor of the au pair cultural exchange program offers $1,000 discount to help educators access flexible, reliable childcare

BOSTON, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Cultural Care Au Pair is proud to announce a new $1,000 discount for educators joining the au pair program as first-time host families. Available through September 30, 2026, the offer recognizes the unique childcare challenges that teachers and school staff face—and the ways in which the au pair program is a natural fit for their lives inside and outside of the classroom.

New host families where at least one parent or guardian is employed as an educator in a preschool, K-12, or higher education institution are eligible for the discount when they match with an au pair for a minimum of 26 weeks between April 16 and September 30, 2026. With school schedules that shift dramatically across the year, educators often find that traditional childcare options simply don’t work for them. The au pair program offers a flexible, live-in solution that adapts to the rhythms of an academic calendar, early mornings, after-school hours, and everything in between.

Cultural Care has long championed access to the au pair program for communities with distinct childcare needs. Building on the success of its military family discount, the company is now expanding that commitment to the millions of educators across the country who dedicate their careers to shaping future generations.

“The au pair program is an ideal match for educator families—it’s flexible, affordable, and rooted in the same spirit of curiosity and cultural exchange that educators bring to their classrooms every day,” said Natalie Jordan, Senior Vice President at Cultural Care Au Pair. “We’re excited to connect more educator families with this incredible program.”

To be eligible for the Cultural Care educator discount, families must be new to Cultural Care, have at least one parent or guardian employed as an educator in a preschool, K-12, or higher education institution, and select “Education” as their occupation when creating their profile. Families must match with an au pair for a minimum of 26 weeks. The offer is not combinable with other discounts except the referral discount and cannot be applied retroactively.

An au pair is a young person from abroad who comes to America on a specially designated cultural exchange visa and lives with an American family for a maximum of two years, receiving a weekly stipend, room and board, and educational opportunities in return for providing limited childcare support to their host family. For nearly forty years, the au pair program has been an important form of “kitchen table diplomacy” — breaking down cultural barriers and helping young adults become better global citizens.

About Cultural Care
Cultural Care is the largest designated sponsor of the U.S. State Department-regulated au pair program. For over 35 years, we have placed more than 145,000 au pairs in the homes of American host families, creating memories and cross-cultural connections that last a lifetime.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cultural-care-au-pair-launches-educator-discount-for-new-host-families-302760428.html

SOURCE Cultural Care Au Pair

CLEVELAND, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM), the nation’s number one retail mortgage lender for the third consecutive year, is proud to announce 182 loan officers were named to the 2026 Scotsman Guide Top Women Originators list — the most in company history and more than any other lender.

CCM has seen significant year-over-year growth in its presence on the list, increasing by 125% over the past three years — a trend that reflects the strength and momentum of women across the organization.

“We’re seeing more and more women across CCM perform at a high level and earn recognition for it,” said Ron Leonhardt, Founder and CEO, CrossCountry Mortgage. “That kind of consistency says a lot about this team and the role they play in what we’re building.”

In addition to its recognition on the Top Women Originators list, CCM had 661 loan officers named to Scotsman Guide’s 2026 Top Originators rankings — the most of any lender and the highest total in company history.

With more than 3,500 loan officers across over 800 branches nationwide, CCM continues to attract both borrowers and top mortgage professionals, driven by a culture built on innovation, opportunity and customer-focused solutions. That momentum translated into a record-setting 2025, with CCM financing 1 in 35 homes sold nationwide (by volume in Q4 2025), serving over 131,000 families and originating more than $51 billion in total volume.

About CrossCountry Mortgage
CrossCountry Mortgage (CCM) is the nation’s number one distributed retail mortgage lender with more than 8,000 employees operating over 700 branches and servicing loans across all 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Our company has been recognized ten times on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private businesses and has received many awards for our standout culture. We offer more than 120 mortgage, refinance and home equity solutions — ranging from conventional and jumbo mortgages to government-insured programs from FHA and programs for Veterans and rural homebuyers — and we are a direct lender and approved seller and servicer by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and Ginnie Mae NMLS #3029. Through our dedication to getting it done, we make every mortgage feel like a win.

Contact: Natalie Lonjak
Director, Corporate Communications
Natalie.Lonjak@ccm.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/record-182-ccm-originators-named-to-scotsman-guides-top-women-list-302760196.html

SOURCE CrossCountry Mortgage

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9 (ESD9) presented yesterday new, state-of-the-art equipment for the Sam Bass Fire Department, strengthening its emergency response capabilities and wildfire readiness across the region.

Unveiled during a special event, the new resources represent the latest of ESD9’s strategic investments in wildfire preparedness across Williamson County. The deployment includes a Can-Am two-row UTV wildlands attack vehicle, a specialized wildlands 4X4 command plus support vehicle and a custom-built dual-purpose trailer designed for both the secure transport of specialized firefighting equipment and use as a firefighter recovery unit.

Together, these assets, along with the wildlands equipment presented to Round Rock Fire Department by ESD9 last year, are designed to improve rapid response, operational coordination and effectiveness in wildland and wildland-urban interface (WUI) environments.

The equipment was designed and built in collaboration with FarrWest, a premier provider of equipment, service and training to the First Responder industry.

“This investment gives our team a significant operational advantage as wildfire behavior becomes more unpredictable, and our community continues to expand,” said Chief James Shofner of the Sam Bass Fire Department. “Having the right tools in place directly impacts how quickly and effectively we can respond when every second matters.”

As one of the fastest-growing regions in Texas, Williamson County faces increasing pressure on its emergency response systems, particularly in areas where development meets natural landscape. These new tools will greatly enhance operational capacity, situational coordination and firefighter safety during wildland incidents.

“As ESD9 and Williamson County continues to grow, so does the complexity of our emergency response environment,” said ESD9 Commissioner Alan Forster. “ESD9 is committed to continue to supply resources to ensure our service providers are equipped not just to respond, but to operate effectively in increasingly challenging wildland-urban interface conditions.”

Through continued investment in training, technology and preparedness, ESD9 remains focused on ensuring its fire service partners are fully equipped to meet evolving wildfire challenges and emergency response demands.

About Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9:

Williamson County ESD No. 9 provides emergency response and fire protection services to the residents and businesses of Williamson County. The district prioritizes readiness, innovation and community safety across all areas of operation.

About Sam Bass Fire Department

https://www.sambassfd.com/about.html

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/williamson-county-esd9-expands-wildfire-response-capabilities-with-new-specialized-equipment-for-the-sam-bass-fire-department-302760154.html

SOURCE Williamson County Emergency Services District No. 9