ADRIAN, Texas — Adrian Volunteer Fire Department received a new large brush truck thanks to a
$199,800 cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program,
administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Our response area encompasses over 980 square miles of ranch and farmland and 50 miles of
interstate,” said Adrian Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Chase Burgess. “This truck was
designed with that in mind and will be used when responding to wildland fires or car fires.”
According to Burgess, the truck has 6-wheel drive, a 1,490-gallon water tank, foam capability, a front
bumper monitor, and bumper sweeps on all four corners. Everything can be controlled from inside the
truck cab.
“Having the ability to take a large amount of water to the rural areas helps to increase our firefighting
capabilities, plus this apparatus can draft water from stock tanks or natural resources,” said Burgess.
The truck is in service, and the members received training to familiarize them with the placement of the
controls, maintenance schedule, and the truck’s mechanical abilities.
Adrian Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1961 and currently, the department is manned by
commanding officer Fire Chief Lee Petty and 12 volunteers.
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.