BRACKETTVILLE, Texas –– For a volunteer fire department that services approximately 1,500
square miles, having updated fire and rescue equipment is imperative. With the help of an
$18,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service, Kinney VFD was able to purchase a new slip-on
unit for one of their trucks.
Along with providing aid to neighboring departments and helping with emergency medical calls,
KVFD operates with only about 15-20 volunteers, relying primarily on donations for new
equipment.
“We had a chassis that was very good, but the pump and the tank had deteriorated from
repeated use,” Fire Chief Tim Ward said. “It came to the point where we couldn’t afford to
replace it completely. Getting this grant for a new slip-on made our truck like new again.”
The new unit comes with features that will help improve the efficiency of the department,
according to Ward.
“The unit comes with a new engine and a newer style of pump that is more efficient,” Ward
said. “It has a foam system that helps save water and extinguishes the fire faster. It is also much
safer for our volunteers.”
TFS provides eligible fire departments with programs designed to enhance their ability to
protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards.
“The grant they received for this new slip-on will assist the residents of Kinney County by
updating needed fire equipment for wildland fires,” Regional Fire Coordinator Garry Barney
said.
Over 85% of fire departments in the state of Texas are either completely or mostly operated by
volunteers. 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.
“This grant program really is a boost for us because otherwise, we would not be equipped to handle
the large area that we have,” Ward said. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the help.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.