CHEROKEE, Texas – Thanks to a $200,000 grant and community support Cherokee Volunteer Fire
Department purchased a new 2019 brush truck. The cost share grant was through the Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“With summer fire season fast approaching, we appreciate having a new addition to our fleet to help increase our
capacity to protect our community and mutual aid area,” said Cherokee VFD Fire Chief Rodney Johnson. “Our
department covers 428-square-miles of rural area so we do a lot of wildland firefighting. This truck is a great
addition for that purpose and it will also be used to answer emergency calls on State Highway 16.”
The truck has a 306-gallons water tank, foam capability, front bumper monitor and 4-wheel-drive. The brush
truck has gone into service.
Cherokee Volunteer Fire Department depends on fundraising to help with department expenses and pay for
needed equipment. Their most lucrative event is usually a May music festival,but due to the current COVID-19
restriction,s the festival is canceled.
“This new addition to our fleet would not have been an option for our department without the grant program
through Texas A&M Forest Service and the backing of our community,” said Johnson. “Our department
appreciates both.”
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.