The Garwood Volunteer Fire Department accepted a $200,000 cost share grant from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. The grant helped purchase a pumper/tanker that has a 3,000-gallon water capacity and self-contained foam system.
“This new apparatus can carry a large quantity of water as well as draft from a pond or other water source and has a portable drop tank designed to hold 3000 gallons of water,” said Garwood VFD Fire Chief Todd Krenek. “Having enough water upon arrival to get a handle on the fire quickly is essential and helps our department be more self-sufficient in our rural firefighting.”
The members of the department have received training to become familiar with the truck and its driving capabilities, it has gone into service and is ready to roll.
“Like so many of our Texas Volunteer Fire Departments, Garwood VFD has a lot of square miles to cover,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Assistant Chief Jeremy Wagner. “There aren’t any viable water sources in most of these rural areas, so this tanker will provide them with the ability to have an adequate water supply for wildland or structure firefighting.”
Fire Chief Krenek and the department members wish to thank their community for their continual monetary support that helps to keep the department at a high response standard.
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.