Hallsville Volunteer Fire Department added a 2018 International tender to their fleet thanks to a $200,000 cost share grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The department’s cost share portion was paid by the Harrison County ESD #5.
The tender has a 1,000-gallon water tank, 20-gallon Class A foam tank, 750 gallon-per-minute pump, multiple storage areas and can carry 5 firefighters. The department named the truck “The Beast” because of its size.
“We are equipping this tender to serve as a wildland tender, a type 3 wildland engine and possibly as a high water rescue unit,” said Hallsville VFD Fire Chief Craig Barton. “It is a large apparatus with 4-wheel drive that will allow us to get into sandy terrain or flooded areas where we have previously had a need.”
According to Barton in the 2011 fire season an apparatus of this caliber would have been beneficial and the department appreciates having it available for future emergency response.
“Besides meeting the criteria for a tender, Hallsville VFD took delivery of an apparatus that enhances their ability to serve the wildland-urban expansion in the Hallsville area,” said Josh Bardwell, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator.
Hallsville VFD has been serving their 121 square miles of protection area since 1941. They have 26 volunteers that help man three fire stations.
“Our greatest need for volunteers is at Substation #2 on the north side and Substation #3 on the south side,” said Barton. “We welcome anyone wanting to commit time to serving the community.”
The volunteers meet the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Hallsville Fire Station #1, 102 North Central Street. Applications will be available at that time.
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.