NACOGDOCHES, Texas –- Loco Valley Volunteer Fire Department acquired a new 2020 brush truck thanks to a
$100,000 cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“Our new F550 brush truck has four-wheel-drive, a 300-gallon water tank, foam capability, and front bumper sprayers
making it useful when responding to wildland and structure fires,” said Loco Valley VFD Fire Chief Colton Murray.
“This truck also has a lot of storage area that will allow us to carry twice as much rescue equipment, including Jaws
of-Life, backboards, and medical equipment, which will increase our department’s capacity to meet the needs of our
community.”
The department’s response area covers Farm-to-Market Roads 1638 and 343 and State Highway 21. Approximately
Ten percent of the volunteer fire department’s emergency calls are for vehicle accidents, and 80 percent are medical
related calls. The truck is in service and ready to roll.
“Our department is grateful for this fleet addition that can carry five firefighters,” said Loco Valley VFD Assistant
Fire Chief Jacob Sample. “We appreciate Texas A&M Forest Service having the grant programs available to
volunteer fire departments and value the backing of the community.”
The Loco Valley Volunteer Fire Department continuously strives to offer the best possible service every time. This
the new truck will enhance the department’s capacity for service.
“Having dependable apparatus in a fire department fleet is key to effective emergency response for brush fires and
rescue,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Ricky Holbrook. “This new truck will be a great
asset to the department and community.”
Loco Valley Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1979 and is always looking for volunteers to support fire
and medical response. To apply, contact Assistant Fire Chief Jacob Sample at (936) 615-1166.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives, property, and natural resources 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.