Ector Volunteer Fire Department added a new brush truck thanks to a cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“This truck will be designated as the replacement for an apparatus we used for brush fires and rescue,” said Ector VFD Fire Chief James Cobb. “It has already been used in response several times.”
The 2020 F550 has a 300-gallon water tank, 10-gallon foam tank, backup camera, scene lights and front mounted winch.
“The foam system will help in a quick knock-down of grass fires, and the scene lighting will be an improvement and benefit in our rural area,” said Cobb.
Foam used in fire suppression helps to cool the fire and coat the fuel, resulting in quicker fire suppression.
The department usually has a fundraiser to help with projects, maintenance, and upkee,p but due to the COVID 19 outbreak, all fundraising opportunities were delayed.
“Our department appreciates the community’s continued support even through these tough times,” said Cobb Ector Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1948 and currently has 16 volunteers to help cover the department’s protection area and in mutual response.
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 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.