The Maydelle Volunteer Fire Department received a $200,000 cost share grant from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. The grant was used to help purchase a new water tender.
“Our department faced a challenge of water shortage,” said Fire Chief Jody Gray. “This new 2019 Freightliner with a 1,000-gallon water capacity and 10-gallon foam unit will help to alleviate that challenge.”
The new 2019 water tender also has a foam injector, side dump valve and spray monitor.
“The truck is compact and will be easy to maneuver and work off of,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Resource Specialist Murphy Milligan.
The tender will help to meet the needs of the department as they serve their 76 square-mile service area.
“The grant programs that Texas A&M Forest Service offers to small rural volunteer fire departments are a very valuable asset,” said Gray.
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.