ALBANY, Texas — The Albany Volunteer Fire Department received a grant to purchase a slip-on unit
that was installed on a surplus military truck. The $15,800 grant was made possible through the Rural
Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The slip-on unit will be used in the suppression of wildfires, and it carries a larger amount of water than
the department’s previous units, giving the department multiple trucks to use during the fire season.
The unit has already been used. “This fire season has been very hard on us. The unit has been in constant
use with the uptick in activity through this season,” said Travis Gardenhire, Albany VFD Fire Chief.
Albany VFD is always looking for new firefighters. Anyone interested in joining is encouraged to visit
the department during its regular meetings every first and third Monday.
As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to
protecting lives and property through various fire department assistance programs. The Rural Volunteer
Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas Legislature and provides cost-share 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, visit http://texasfd.com.