The Salt Creek Rural Volunteer Fire Department in Young County has added a
new truck to its fleet after receiving a $110,000 grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
The truck, a 2023 Freightliner, replaces a truck that was manufactured in 1987 and marks a milestone
for the department in its efforts to enhance its firefighting capabilities. The new truck is bigger, has allwheel drive and offers increased reliability, said Chief Bobby Hadderton. The truck can carry 750
gallons of water and is also equipped with a foam system. It will be used as the department’s primary
brush truck to battle wildland fires.
“We are grateful for the support of Texas A&M Forest Service,” Hadderton said. “This new truck will
be a valuable asset to our department and will help us to better serve our community.”
The department has about 20 active volunteers, Hadderton said, and new members are always welcome.
Anyone interested can contact Hadderton by calling (940) 229-8343.
The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas Legislature and
administered by Texas A&M Forest Service, a member agency of the Texas A&M University System.
The program 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, visit texasfd.com.