Thanks to a grant from Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, Breckenridge Fire Department was able to equip a new water tender to better serve the rural home owners in their community.
“Our department covers a large rural area where about 9,500 residents live,” said Breckenridge Fire Department Chief Calvin Chaney. “This truck has a 2,000-gallon water tank with foam adaptability and will allow the department to make a very good initial attack and knock down of a fire in that type of terrain.”
According to Chaney, this tender gives them the correct “tool box” for a self-supportive apparatus that is totally focused on protecting life and property outside the city limits.
Breckenridge VFD was established in 1920 and is continually looking for ways to better serve their community and mutual aid area. The tender can carry two firefighters, and is equipped with a ladder package, LED lighting and various firefighting equipment.
“The firefighters had special, intense training on the tender because of the large amount of water that it can carry,” said Chaney. “Safety is a priority with our department and knowing about the vehicle is essential to that safety.”
Chief Chaney is grateful to County Judge Gary Fuller, City Commissioners Russell Blue, Rob Durham, David Wimberley, Tom Cyprian, Mayor Jim McKay and City Manager Andy McCuistion for their support in making the completed apparatus possible. Together they diligently worked towards retaining resources to help meet the cost share portion and to equip the tender. Chaney also expressed his appreciation to Texas A&M Forest Service for having grant programs available to help advance the volunteer fire departments in Texas towards greater capacity.
The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is 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.