BARDWELL, Texas — Bardwell Area Volunteer Fire Department added a new large brush truck named
Marcos to their fleet. The 2018 apparatus is designed to confront any challenging landscape and will increase
capacity for wildland firefighting.
“We put a lot of thought into this new truck,” said Bardwell Area VFD Fire Chief Michael Anthony.
“Everything from storage to safety was considered. It has a 750-gallon water tank, foam capability, remote
control monitor, and cameras for the side, front and back and also bumper and under-carriage nozzles.”
According to Anthony the under-carriage nozzles were added because of a harrowing experience on one
occasion when the department’s small brush truck was quickly overcome by flames. The firefighters had to
jump off the truck and spray water under the bed to keep it from catching fire.
The department is very thankful for the support of the community. The truck purchase was made possible by
combining their donations with a $200,000 grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance
Program, administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Our community and surrounding area have supported the VFD since inception,” said Anthony. “Without their
continual backing our department would not be what it is today. I also appreciate the grant assistance from
Texas A&M Forest Service and encourage all VFDs to participate in the grant programs that they offer. Over
the years we have benefitted from several of the programs, including HB2604, insurance, and training.”
Bardwell Area Volunteer Fire Department also participated as a donor to the Helping Hands Program which is
also administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. The program issues donated gently used equipment at no cost
to volunteer fire departments. Since 1997, Helping Hands has issued over $40.5 million in donated equipment.
Bardwell Area VFD has been serving their community since 1994. They are grateful for all of the volunteers
that keep the department staffed, helping protect their service area. The new truck was christened “Marcos”, in
memory of Marcos Lasos, who left a legacy as the last charter member that helped to establish the VFD. His
unfailing dedication and service as a volunteer firefighter will be a lasting inspiration to the department.
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 the 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.