BARTLETT, Texas — Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department accepted a cost-share grant to help replace
an older slip-on unit. The grant was through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program
administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“We appreciate the new slip-on unit that will be used to fight grass, hay, and wildland fires in our
immediate rural area and during mutual aid calls that extend to parts of three counties,” said Bartlett
VFD Senior Captain Scott Mason. “The unit has foam capability and a 340-gallon water tank that
increases the amount of water that we are able to take when we get a rural call.”
According to Mason, the urban area does not have fire hydrants so they are pleased to have the foam
capability that makes the water “wetter” increasing the ability of the water to extinguish a fire.
“Bartlett VFD covers a 105-square-mile service area,” said Matthew Schlaefer Texas A&M Forest
Service Regional Fire Coordinator. “This new slip-on unit will be a great asset, especially now that we
are entering the winter fire season.”
Having easy access to the gauges and controls for the slip-on unit can help the firefighters have better
situation awareness.
“Safety is a priority for our department, so we reconfigured this brush truck so the controls and water
gauge for the slip-on unit are in the cab,” said Mason. “It is vital to know exactly where you stand with
the remaining water supply when fighting a fire.”
To make the purchase possible, the department combined the cost-share grant and a grant of matching
funds from the Bell County Commissioners.
Bartlett VFD has been serving their community since 1915. Fire Chief Steven Wentrcek and
volunteers continue to offer cutting-edge emergency services through up-to-date equipment and
advanced training.
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 .