Elm Pass Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $99,000 grant for a small brush
truck through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance Program.
“Our department applied for this grant because we were using two old pickup trucks with skid units in them to
fight fires,” Fire Chief Jerry Vincent said.
Aside from desiring something more updated, the department wanted a vehicle that would preserve the
safety of their firefighters and be more effective when fighting fires.
“The 16 year old vehicle that the new brush truck replaced did not serve our department well,” Vincent said.
“We wanted something that was designed for brush fires, diesel powered and higher off the ground.”
According to Vincent, the new truck has a foam system, greater water capabilities and firefighting stations
located on the vehicle making fire suppression easier and safer for the department.
“Serving about 300 property owners and crossing primarily ranch land, the capabilities the new truck brings to
our department are instrumental to our success,” Vincent said.
Over 85 percent of fire departments in Texas are either completely or mostly operated by volunteers. TFS passes
approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state each year, helping them purchase
equipment to better protect lives and property.
“The Rural VFD Assistance Program is wonderful,” Vincent said. “Without it, many VFDs would be struggling to use
equipment that was outdated and unsafe.”
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.