After an accident that rendered their brush truck unusable, Warren Volunteer Fire Department sought
help from Texas A&M Forest Service to get back on their feet.
The result was a $79,500 grant through TFS’ Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“We lost our brush truck in an accident and the insurance company wouldn’t cover it,” Warren VFD Secretary Lisa Knott
said. “We relied on our one remaining truck and mutual aid until we got the grant from TFS.”
Without the grant program and with no insurance money, the department would not have the means to replace the truck,
according to Knott.
“Our remaining truck was just a pumper and couldn’t really tackle wildland or brush fires,” Knott said. “It was basically just
a water source. This new truck is our primary vehicle, so it can do a quick attack until we can get the pumper there. We
take the new truck on every call.”
TFS passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state every year, helping them
purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
“[Warren] was in dire need, without this grant the department would not have a suitable truck to help fight fires,” Regional
Fire Coordinator Ricky Holbrook said. “Their fleet was a little older, so this new truck will help them a lot by giving them an
upgraded first responder truck.”
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.