RIO GRANDE CITY, Texas — Volunteer Fire Departments often struggle to come up with the necessary funds to
keep their equipment up to date and running efficiently. For La Rosita VFD, a $173,000 grant from Texas A&M
Forest service helped them purchase a much needed new brush truck to add to their fleet.
La Rosita VFD Fire Chief Jorge Oyervides said the new truck was an upgrade that was long overdue for this
department.
“The equipment that we have right now breaks down constantly, and with budgets getting cut, it’s hard to
maintain old equipment,” Oyervides said. “It was a burden on our limited budget.”
The new truck will replace two older trucks that went out of service. It comes equipped with a 1,000-gallon tank,
a faster pump, a compressed air foam system, scene lights, and many compartments for additional equipment.
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.
“The TFS grant program has helped many VFDs,” Oyervides said. “Without this type of program, many
departments would struggle. Our department has benefitted greatly from TFS in receiving grants for equipment,
vehicles, and training. I just hope this type of program stays here for many years.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.