Brownsboro Volunteer Fire Department received two grants totaling $67,800
through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The grants
helped the department purchase a truck chassis and a slip-on unit which were utilized to build a new brush
truck.
“This 2020 brush truck is replacing a 2006 truck that had a smaller water tank and no foam capability,” said
Brownsboro VFD Fire Chief Richard Smith. “This new brush truck has a 400-gallon water tank and a Scotty
foam system, front bumper sprayers and 4-wheel-drive that will be helpful in quickly gaining control of
brush fires.”
According to Fire Chief Smith about half of the department’s calls are for wildland fires and the truck will
carry a variety of wildland firefighting equipment making them very prepared for response.
“Brownsboro VFD firefighters respond to numerous emergencies within and outside their rural community
which requires versatile tools to be effective,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator
Josh Bardwell. “They were able to add a completely new engine to their fleet by pairing a truck chassis grant
and pump package grant, at minimal out of pocket cost for the VFD.”
Since inception in 2002 the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program granted over $300 million
in valuable assistance to volunteer fire departments to help increase safety and firefighting power.
Brownsboro VFD currently has open enrollment for dedicated volunteers with the heart to serve. To pick up
an application come to the fire station located at 13851 SH 31 any Tuesday night at 7 p.m.
As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service administers the
Rural VFD Assistance Program and is committed to protecting lives, property and natural resources. The
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by Texas State Legislature and provides cost
share 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.