Briar-Reno Volunteer Fire Department replaced a 1989 water tender with a new 2018 Pierce water tender, thanks to a $200,000 grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“This is our first new engine in 18 years,” said Briar-Reno VFD Firefighter Moses Druxman. “Our previous truck was a converted military vehicle.”
This new tender has a 1,000–gallon water tank, Compressed Air Foam System (CAFS), 1,500 gallons-perminute pump and multiple roll door compartments for storage.
“We will be able to carry more personnel and equipment to the scene, eliminating the need for several vehicles to respond,” said Druxman.
The truck will be used as a first out truck for grass, structure and vehicle fires, helping to fill the need for a water source due to the lack of fire hydrants. The department has been serving the community of 4,875 since 1979 and are excited to have the tender available to help increase their capacity to serve the public. “We are really excited about having the truck and appreciate the grant programs that are made available to volunteer fire departments in Texas,” said Druxman. 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.