ELKHART, Texas — A new, large brush truck is ready to roll at the Elkhart Volunteer Fire
Department thanks to a $200,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program.
“The new truck is automatic, has 4-wheel-drive, a front bumper water turret, 800-gallon water tank,
foam system, inverter for running electrical tools and storage space for wildland and structure gear and
rescue equipment,” said Elkhart VFD Fire Chief Randy McCoy. “This truck will probably be used on
99 percent of our calls.”
According to McCoy the truck will be more reliable and carry more firefighters than any of the
department’s other trucks.
“The citizens of Elkhart and those within the rural response area of Elkhart VFD should be proud of
the effort that their fire department put into the design of this large brush truck,” said Texas A&M
Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Joshua Bardwell. “Chief McCoy and his fellow firefighters
have an apparatus that can meet their needs in a variety of emergencies, from wildfires to technical
rescues, paired with the dedication to serving the community that the department has displayed for
many years.”
Established in 1936, the volunteer fire department continues strong, responding to emergency calls in
their 106-square-mile service area.
“We probably average 18 calls a month for any number of reasons, fires, vehicle accidents, or medical
calls,” said McCoy. “Our last call was to rescue a dog from a well.”
The department has 22 volunteers at this time and has open enrollment for anyone wanting to dedicate
time to training and service. An application can be picked up any Tuesday night at 7 p.m. at the fire
station located at 12740 South U.S. Highway 287.
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.