JACKSONVILLE, Texas — Earle’s Chapel Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant from Texas
A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to help purchase a new large brush
truck.
“This new apparatus is replacing an older 1992 truck that required a lot of maintenance,” said Earle’s Chapel
VFD Fire Chief Ted Hunt. “The department appreciates having a safer, multifunction truck to help increase our
fleet capacity for wildland and structure fires.”
The Pierce Freightliner pumper has a 1,000-gallon water tank, five-seat cab with a compartment for self
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and a 1,260 gallons-per-minute Hale pump.
“This new pumper will enhance the department’s abilities to serve their community,” said Josh Bardwell, Texas
A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator. “The department has a long and distinguished history of
providing top quality volunteer service based on their training, willingness to serve, and ability to maintain good
equipment.”
Grant Thedford, and Murphy Milligan, Texas A&M Forest Service Resource Specialists presented the
department with a live oak tree to commemorate the new fire apparatus and as a symbol of partnerships with
those who share in helping to protect forests and related natural resources against wildland fires.
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.