Cat Spring Volunteer Fire Department added a 2021 Freightliner water tender to their fleet thanks to a cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and support from their community.
“The new water tender is a vital addition and will fill a key role in our operation while giving support to an area that has few fire hydrants,” said Cat Spring VFD President Chris Chambers.
The tender has a 2,100-gallon water tank with the addition of a pump and reel line that will allow it to also be used as an engine if needed.
“Brush trucks and fire engines carry a limited supply of water that can be spent quickly on a fire,” said Chambers. “There have been times when we responded to a fire that required extensive water shuttling operations before gaining control of the fire. Having a dependable apparatus that will support not only our department but also surrounding departments during mutual aid will be tremendous benefit,” said Chambers.
Cat Spring VFD is prepared for upcoming summer fire season in their rural area.
“We just completed adding the accessories to this vital apparatus, so it is in service and ready for response,” said Chambers.
Cat Spring Volunteer Fire Department has been providing invaluable fire service to their growing area since 1975 and are entirely funded by their community.
“We have fund raising events throughout the year with the proceeds going to support the department’s daily operations,” said Chambers. “We are very thankful to our community for their continued assistance and to Texas A&M Forest Service for all of the different grant programs that are available to volunteer fire departments through their agency.”
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.