Feb. 22, 2016 — GATESVILLE, Texas — Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department replaced an
older slip-on unit with a new diesel-powered model thanks to a grant through Texas A&M Forest
Service.
“The new slip-on unit has already been put into service,” Gatesville VFD Fire Chief Billy Vaden
said. “There is a lot of vegetation right now, and the winds are drying things out. We are glad to
have a reliable piece of equipment to combat the grass fires.”
The slip-on unit has a Kubota motor, 500-gallon tank and a 200-foot hose reel. It is designed to
provide stationary operation, or pump-and-roll, and is especially effective in handling off-road
wildland fires.
The department has been serving their community since 1884. They are always looking for
avenues to increase their capacity to serve their community and rural areas.
“The new slip-on unit will help the fire department fight wildfires both in the city and on mutual
aid responses,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Mitchell LaMonte.
“The department is the closest available resource to North Fort Hood.”
While serving under Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M Forest Service works with fire service
throughout the state to minimize the loss of life and property in response to wildfires and other
all-hazard emergencies. This year, Texas A&M Forest Service will award approximately $24.3
million in grants to volunteer fire departments for the purchase of equipment and training.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.