June 28, 2017 — KOSSE, Texas — Kosse Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The funding was used to purchase a slip-on unit with a Compressed Air Foam System.
“The slip-on has a 400-gallon water tank and a 10-gallon foam tank,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Matthew Schlaefer. “It is in service, and the volunteers are excited to begin special training to familiarize themselves with its functions.”
A slip-on unit is a complete, self-contained firefighting apparatus designed for a pickup truck or custom-built vehicle platform. It is intended to become a fast, initial-attack firefighting component used for wildland firefighting, structure and automobile fires. The CAFS has the potential to give more firefighting power and capability while using less water. It can also help increase firefighter safety because the foam smothers the fire, rapidly reducing the temperature which can help decrease smoke, giving the firefighters greater visibility.
“This new unit is replacing an older one,” said Kosse VFD Fire Chief Jimmy O’Neal. “The addition of the Compressed Air Foam System is an update for us. It produces a lot better foam that will blanket the fuels and assist in a quicker knockdown. We have a lot of grass fires in our service area but we will also use it for vehicle and structure fires.”
Kosse VFD has been serving their 150-square-mile service area since 1950 and are always looking for a better way to serve the residents that live there.
“The updated slip-on will help us better protect our service area, and we will have it available for mutual aid,” said O’Neal. “We appreciate the grant and also the support of our community.”
The department has open enrollment for dedicated individuals who would like to commit time as a volunteer. They may pick up an application the first Monday of every month, 7 p.m. at the fire station located at 109 South. Narcissus Street in Kosse.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature and administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural Volunteer Fire Departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.