Flat Volunteer Fire Department replaced a 1987 water tender with a 2017 Kenworth, capable of carrying 3000-gallons of water, thanks to a grant through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Program.
“This new tender is so much easier to drive and operate,” said Flat VFD Fire Chief Chuck Porter. “One firefighter can operate the pumps and dump valves with a touch of a button or pull of a lever and the automatic transmission allows for safer handling of the vehicle.”
The tender is equipped with a portable drop tank that holds 3,000 gallons of water, light generator, lighting system and firefighting tools. The vehicle will be multipurpose because they will have a dependable source of water to fight fires in their local community, rural areas and in times of mutual aid.
“This water tender will add to the versatility that is needed in the 125-square-mile rural protection area that Flat VFD covers,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Mitchell LaMonte. “Having an updated means of transporting water is important in getting the upper hand when a fire occurs.”
The department was established in 1994 and has 17 volunteers that are dedicated to the protection of life and property.
“We have a rather large response area to cover, so we are always looking for committed volunteers that would like to receive training,” said Porter. “Those who are interested can apply at the fire station on Monday nights from 6 to 8 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 VFDs 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.