A $200,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program enabled South Polk County Volunteer Fire Department to purchase a new tanker.
“This truck is a new addition for us,” said South Polk Co. VFD Chief Chris Moehlmann. “The new tanker will be able to provide more water to fire scenes as well as mutual aid to other departments.”
The 2017 Kenworth holds 3,000 gallons of water.
“It’s a valuable asset to our department,” said Chief Moehlmann, “We have no pressured water sources in our rural service area, so we’re required to transport water to each fire.”
“The truck cost $222,225 but thanks to the grant, we only had to fund $22,225 – all of which we did through community fundraising,” Moehlmann said. “Without the community’s help, this truck would not be possible.”
Moehlmann is thankful to both the South Polk County community and Texas A&M Forest Service for their support.
“Texas A&M Forest Service programs are a good resource to fire departments,” said Moehlmann. “Without them we would not be able to purchase new trucks, equipment or provide valuable training.”
South Polk Co. VFD, whose jurisdiction spans approximately 38 square miles in Polk County, will hold their annual fall fundraiser Oct. 1, from 11 a.m.-2p.m.
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 fire departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry-hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.
To learn more about the fire department assistance programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit http://texasfd.com.