GORDONVILLE, Texas — Gordonville Volunteer Fire Department now has a multipurpose large brush truck thanks to community support and a $200,000 grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“This is an all-around brush truck that can also be classified as a mini pumper with an 800-gallon poly tank and a 15-gallon foam cell,” said Fire Chief Doug Adcock. “It will be used for wildland, structure, and car fires and has storage areas for a variety of tools for firefighting and extrication.”
According to Adcock the protection area is very rural, and having this multipurpose truck eliminates the need to disperse several vehicles at a time while still maintaining safety for the department members.
“Safety is a priority with our department, so we put a lot of thought into outfitting this truck,” said Adcock. “Everything from sprayers on all four corners of the truck for knock-down and mop-up to remote communication for the firefighters.”
The truck is equipped with wireless headsets that have a reception distance of 100 yards. The firefighters can talk without having to push a button, letting the driver know where they are at all times.
Gordonville VFD has been serving the community and surrounding area since 1985. Adcock expressed appreciation for community support and for the grant that helped make this purchase possible.
The department has open enrollment for those wishing to volunteer, with positions available as an auxiliary member or firefighter. Anyone wanting to apply may come to one of their meetings held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at the station located at 5 College Street in Gordonville.
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 the 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.