Grape Creek Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. It helped purchase a 2019 International tender with a 3,000-gallon water tank and a drop tank of equal size.
“Less than 10 percent of our coverage area has access to fire hydrants so this new truck will function not only as a pumper tender but can be used when responding to structure fires,” said Grape Creek VFD Fire Chief Aaron Flint. “The community will receive the benefit of our department having more water at the onset and that gives the firefighters a better chance of getting the upper hand over a blaze.”
According to Flint the department members received training on the drafting aspects of the new truck as well as how to drive the 37-foot-long apparatus.
Grape Creek VFD expressed their appreciation of the addition of the new truck. It helps to increase the capacity of the department to better protect lives and property in their community and surrounding area. The addition was made possible through a combination of support entities which included, the Sterling-Turner Foundation, community and Emergency Service District support and Texas A&M Forest Service.
The department has open enrollment for anyone wishing to volunteer. An application may be picked up at 7912 Wren Road, San Angelo, Texas.
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.