The Gatesville Fire Department increased their capacity to save lives and property with the help of a $200,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The cost share award was used to purchase a water tender with a 3,500-gallon poly water tank, a 750 gallons-per-minute pump and front bumper spray nozzles.
“All but one of our departments are volunteer and they are all very supportive of each other, “said Gatesville Fire Chief Billy Vaden. “We cover 258 square miles and respond to 90 percent of the 700 yearly calls. A tender goes out on almost every call. This tender will be dispatched not only for our immediate coverage area but to support other departments in the county.”
The tender will fill a vital role with its two dump tanks, each holding 3,500-gallons of water.
“Having a ready source of water when needed is pertinent to replenishing the supply and getting back on the fire line,” said Vaden.” Having that much water available also keeps us from having to draft water from a pond or creek, protecting our pump from debris, reducing maintenance costs.”
According to Vaden the department is very grateful to the county and Texas A&M Forest Service for the addition of the new tender.
Gatesville Fire Department has been serving the people in their area since 1884 and continually strive to improve fire service. They currently have open enrollment for new volunteers who would like to commit time and give back to the community. An application may be picked up at 109 South 23rd Street in Gatesville, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
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.