LINDEN, Texas — The Linden Volunteer Fire Department in Cass County used a $240,000 grant from
Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to purchase a large
brush truck.
The 2023 International chassis is equipped with a 600-gallon water tank, custom-built pump package,
large storage boxes, winch, and extrication equipment. The truck will be used to respond to wildland
fires, structure fire,s and vehicle accidents. It replaces a 27-year-old truck.
Linden Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Luzio said the new truck is smaller than the
department’s engine and can be driven by anyone in the department without a special certification.
“It’s nice to have the flexibility of a smaller vehicle,” Luzio said. “This truck can get to places our
engine can’t access.”
Luzio said anyone interested in joining the department can visit during weekly meetings each Monday at
7 p.m. at the station, 201 W. Houston St. in Linden.
As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service administers the
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and is committed to protecting lives, property and
natural resources. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas
Legislature and provide cost-share 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, visit http://texasfd.com.
Contacts:
Robert Luzio, Chief, Linden Volunteer Fire Department, (903) 650-0700
Texas A&M Forest Service Communications, (979) 458-6606, [email protected]