DIBOLL, Texas — Diboll Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant from the Texas A&M Forest
Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The department filled their need for a large brush truck by equipping a new truck chassis with a 1,000-gallon water
tank, Husky foam system with a 1,250-gallon-per-minute pump, and storage areas for all of their wildland tools.
“The $90,000 grant, combined with donations from the community and grants from the Kurth Foundation and TLL
Temple Foundation allowed our department to purchase a 2017 Pierce large truck chassis that is replacing a 1985
smaller brush truck,” said Diboll Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Gary Jones.
The new truck will be first out for large grass fires, attacking with a larger water supply and foam capability, and will
allow the department a quicker knock-down of fires in their 130-square-mile service area.
“Our department has been taking advantage of grants through Texas A&M Forest Service since the grant programs
began,” said Jones. “We greatly appreciate this funding that gave us the capability to have an urban interface truck.”
Diboll is located in the Texas piney woods area where the department began in 1938 as a saw mill fire department.
They eventually became a community department and continue to look for ways to better serve, protecting lives and
property.
The Texas A&M Forest Service grant was celebrated with a big check and tree presentation. Ricky Holbrook, Texas
A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator and other agency staff presented a big check in recognition of the fire
department accepting a grant award to help increase the capacity of their fleet and Texas A&M Forest Service
Forester David Newton presented a tree as a symbol of partnerships with those who share in helping to protect forests and related natural resources against wildland fires.
To learn more about how you can conserve trees, forests, and related natural resources and/or protect your property
from wildfire, please contact a local TFS office or visit http://tfsweb.tamu.edu.