Divide Volunteer Fire Department received funding for a new pumper tender from Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The funding allowed the department to add a much needed dual purpose vehicle to its fleet to help meet the challenge of having a water supply to protect their community in times of fire emergency.
The new truck is equipped with a 3,000-gallon water tank, 20-gallon foam tank, scene lighting, two generators, two drop tanks and lots of storage for equipment.
“We designed this tender to fit the specific needs of the department,” said Divide VFD Fire Chief James Dreiss. “The current protection area covers 900-square-miles of rural ranch land where water for firefighting is usually drawn from windmill tanks, dirt tanks or whatever is available. The new tender will be able to shuttle water, drop 2,000-gallons in each drop tank and then go for more water.”
A pumper tender is the ultimate firefighting vehicle that has versatility to mesh a massive quantity of water with pumping capabilities for on-the-spot firefighting. This vehicle was designed to meet the department’s water, foam and equipment storage needs.
Divide VFD has been serving their community of 1,400 since 1981. It has grown and advanced with more efficient and modern ways to protect and serve. The cost share grant helped them increase their service capabilities. The department’s share of the tender purchase will come from the proceeds of their once-a-year steak dinner, fund raising event June 16, 5-9 p.m. at the fire station.
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 VFDs 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.