GROESBECK, Texas, Groesbeck Volunteer Fire Department now has a new 1,000-gallon capacity
slip-on unit thanks to a $19,800 HB2604 cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program.
“Groesbeck VFD received a grant to help replace a slip-on unit for their 5-ton excess military vehicle,”
said Matthew Schlaefer, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator. “The unit brought new
life to their large brush truck and will be a benefit to the department for some time to come.”
The truck has gone into service.
“Approximately 50 percent of our fires are grass or wildland fires, so this truck will help give us the
upper hand over a fire from time of arrival at the scene,” said Groesbeck Fire Chief Patrick Samuels.
“We were having problems with our old slip-on, so it is good to have a dependable one that can be
ready when needed.”
Groesbeck Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their community since 1891. There is open
enrollment for individuals who would like to be trained and give back to their community. Anyone
interested may call Fire Chief Samuels at (254) 495-9921 or (254) 729-2827.
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 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 .