December 14, 2016 — ERATH COUNTY, Texas — Bluff Dale and Lingleville Volunteer Fire Departments
are receiving grants through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance
Program.
Each department received a $200,000 grant used to purchase large brush trucks.
Bluff Dale VFD’s brush truck is a 2017 International four-wheel drive outfitted with an 800 gallon water tank,
10 gallon foam tank, diesel pump and a remote control monitor on the front bumper. It is replacing a 1971
federal surplus military truck.
Bluff Dale VFD Chief George McCormick was excited about the increased capabilities the new truck provides
his department.
“Our area is rural, rocky, brush covered hills. The four-wheel drive will be excellent for that type of terrain and
the truck will be able to go anywhere we need to go,” said McCormick. “This [truck] will help the department
keep up with the increased structure responsibility in an area that is hilly and rough.”
Lingleville VFD is replacing a 1968 brush truck with a 2016 International Navistar.
The Lingleville truck boasts an 800 gallon water tank, spare, full light package, as well as a multiple water
pumps, maximizing the apparatus’ firefighting capabilities.
“This truck will be our first out truck and we can use it for wildland, structure or any type of fire where ever we
need it,” said Lingleville VFD Chief Albert Ray. “The truck provides more water at the scene and is a very up
to date firefighting apparatus.”
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 VFDs 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.