MORGAN, Texas — Lakeside Village Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant from the Rural
Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. The grant was
used to help add a new small brush truck to the department’s fleet.
“The 2019 brush truck is very well armed for wildland firefighting,” said Assistant Fire Chief Kirk Boyd. “It
has a 400-gallon water tank, 12-gallon foam tank, bumper monitor and ground sweeps on both sides and the
front. Even though it has 4-wheel-drive we won’t be loading it down with extra equipment like rescue tools etc.
We want to keep it lightweight so it can function as a fast attack wildland apparatus.”
The truck is in service and ready for fire season.
“This will be a good asset to the department as well as Bosque County,” said Matthew Schlaefer, Texas A&M
Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator. “The department has started training to familiarize the members with
the truck.”
The VFD’s cost share portion was obtained through fundraising.
“Our department appreciates the community for all their support and Texas A&M Forest Service for having
grant programs available,” said Boyd. “Small departments like ours would not be able to afford this type of
truck without grant assistance.”
Lakeside Village VFD has open enrollment for volunteers.
“Not everyone has to be a firefighter,” said Boyd. “Our auxiliary members are extremely helpful and
appreciated. They are supportive not only during fund raising but with taking care of the building and supplying
food and water when we are on a fire. If someone wants to contribute their time, then there is probably
something they can do.”
To volunteer, contact Fire Chief Rex Broome at (254) 775-4253.
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.