Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department recently had a big check presentation to commemorate the addition of a 2019 water tender. Those attending the event included State Representative James White, Polk County Commissioner Bob Willis, Polk County EMC Courtney Comstock, Fire Chief Donald Marlow, members of the Scenic Loop Volunteer Fire Department and representatives of Texas A&M Forest Service. The addition was made possible with a cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“The department’s new water tender has a lot of updates that will be a benefit to the community and to increase safety for the firefighter,” said Scenic Loop VFD Fire Chief Donald Marlow. “Another benefit is that this addition will help to decrease the insurance rate for the community.”
According to Marlow it took a year to finalize the specification for the tender which has a 3,000-gallon water tank, drop tank and drafting capabilities with the back of the truck being one poly unit.
“A lot of our coverage area is rural or without fire hydrant access,” said Marlow. “Having that much water at the onset of a fire will be a great benefit in protecting life and property in Pope County and the Scenic Loop community.”
All of the volunteer firefighters have had training on emergency operations and will continue to hone their skills with the new tender.
“Our doors are always open for new volunteers,” said Marlow. “Interested individuals may go to our Facebook page for more details, Scenic Loop Fire Rescue@ScenicLoopFire.”
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.