Chancellor John Sharp joins Governor Greg Abbott in the Texas Panhandle
BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – As the largest wildfire in the state’s history rages in the panhandle, Texas A&M University’s Chancellor John Sharp joined Governor Greg Abbott as they surveyed the damage to the region.
Abbott gave updates on the wildfire and the state’s response.
“Whenever there is some tragedy like this that arises, you see Texans pulling together, you see neighbor helping neighbor, county helping county. This entire region pulls together,” Abbott said.
Governor Abbott Wednesday held a briefing with state and local officials. At the press conference, he said they are ready to help and will provide more resources if necessary.
Texas A&M System agencies like the Texas A&M Forest Service, Agri-life Extension Service, and the Veterinary Emergency Team are assisting in response efforts.
Sharp says not only is the Aggie response a duty, but it’s a reflection of the university’s core values.
“There’s 500 and something Aggie folks there. There’s another 200 people from out of state that are under the jurisdiction of our Aggies and the volunteer folks. It’s all being coordinated from Texas A&M. {We are] doing what a land grant university ought to do and that is taking care of the people of Texas,” said Sharp.
Sharp says the main focus is to take care of the people of Texas and prioritize the wildfire cleanup. The cleanup includes coordinating hay deliveries, coordinating protein deliveries where they are getting hay and food from other states. He says they A&M System Agencies are looking at dollar loss and land restoration.
