Members of the Elm Grove Volunteer Fire Department were recently presented with a grant check of
$100,000 by Texas A&M Forest Service.
The funds are part of the Rural VFD Grant Assistance Program, which went toward securing a new brush truck for the
department. “Our first truck was a 1988 Ford one-ton with a skid unit and a 300 gallon tank,” said Elm Grove VFD Fire
Chief David Norris. “The old truck can now be used as a stand by since we have a newer, more reliable one.”
According to Chief Norris, the 500-gallon water tank is an upgrade for the department and the truck can carry more
personnel and gear, keeping volunteers from using their personal vehicles.
“Elm Grove VFD values the new brush truck in their fleet because of the rural environment they protect in San Saba
County,” TFS Regional Fire Coordinator Mitchell LaMonte said.
“This area is farm and ranch land, so 90% of our fires are grass or brush fires,” Norris agrees.
Volunteer firefighters operate 85 percent of the fire departments in Texas. This year TFS will pass approximately $24.3
million along to VFDs across the state. The grant funding aids them in purchasing equipment and obtaining vital
firefighter training, giving them greater capabilities to protect life and property in their communities.
“TFS has been a great help in us getting this vehicle,” said Norris. “It would have taken us about six to seven years of
fundraising to afford such a truck.”
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com