Happy Volunteer Fire Department purchased a 2017 Freightline tanker thanks to a cost share grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“The department appreciates having a newer, updated tanker that will increase the department’s capacity when responding in the rural community,” said Happy VFD Fire Chief Jerry Sims. “The town is equipped with fire hydrants but the department also responds to a 133 square mile rural area that depends on water being trucked in if there is a fire.”
According to Sims the town is 16 miles from the nearest mutual aid of Canyon and Tulia Volunteer Fire Departments. It is a great benefit having 2,000-gallons of water available for immediate access.
“The firefighters received special training to become familiar with the truck,” said Sims. “It is equipped with remote control nozzles on the bumper and sides of the truck which will be indispensable at times when we have a limited number of personnel available to respond to a call. With this tanker a couple of firefighters can accomplish a lot of fire suppression.”
According to Sims the tanker has gone into service and was used to respond to three grass fires caused by a variety of events which included lighting, electrical wiring and sparks from a tow chain.
Happy Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their area since 1922 and has open enrollment for dedicated individuals who would like to give back to their community. An application is available at the Happy City Hall at 106 North Talley Avenue, during regular business hours or contact Fire Chief Sims at (806) 558-2121.
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.