COVINGTON, Texas — The Covington Volunteer Fire Department replaced an older slip-on unit thanks to a
$20,000 cost share grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program.
“Our department is glad to have this new addition to replace a unit that is over 10 years old and was starting
to have mechanical issues,” said Covington VFD Fire Chief Chris Lidster. “The new slip-on unit has a 400
gallon water tank and a 20-gallon foam tank.”
Foam is a fire retardant that helps cool the fire and coats the fuel, increasing the effectiveness of the water
and creating greater fire suppression.
“Having the new slip-on unit will be a great asset to the Covington community and surrounding rural area,”
said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Matthew Schlaefer. “It will help to increase the
department’s capacity with flexibility for a quick knock-down and fire control.”
Covington VFD has been serving their area since 1964.
“We would like to express our thanks to our community for their continued support that helps maintain the
department,” said Lidster. “Their response to our fundraisers is appreciated, and to Texas A&M Forest
Service for the grant opportunity.”
The department will be having a barbecue dinner fundraiser on November 20th starting at 10:30 a.m. at the fire
Department is located at 606 South Main Street in Covington.
Texas A&M Forest Service is an agency operating within the Texas A&M University System and as the
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administrator is committed to protecting lives,
property and natural resources. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by Texas
State Legislature and provides cost-share 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.