ANGELINA RIVER, Texas –– Angelina River Volunteer Fire Department recently received a
$200,000 grant for a large brush truck through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance
Program.
“The large brush truck is acting as an upgrade to our equipment,” Firefighter Jim McCallie said.
By carrying a water tank capable of holding 1,000 gallons, the new truck will enhance Angelina
River VFD’s ability to better serve its service area covering 120 square miles and 1,000 people.
“Our department is always looking for ways to add carrying capacity to our fleet,” McCallie said.
“While the large brush truck does not have the ability to access all the land that our smaller
ones do, it helps support them in the case that they cannot carry enough water.”
The truck, built with grass fires in mind, will help the department in various emergency
response incidents.
“The truck is effective in fighting wildfires, aiding in construction protection, extinguishing
structure fires and responding to motor vehicle accidents,” McCallie said.
Over 85 percent of fire departments in Texas are either completely or mostly operated by
volunteers. TFS passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the
state each year, helping them purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
“TFS’s program is great,” McCallie said. “Without its help, many VFDs would not have the
equipment they have now.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.