ROCKWALL, Texas –- The McLendon-Chisholm Volunteer Fire Department recently received a new fire truck that will help
protect life and property in the event of a fire.
With the help of a $200,000 grant through Texas A&M Forest Service, the department can better keep the community
safe.
”This is the first fire engine we’ve had that was specifically for the department since 1974,” said J.T. Williams, McLendon
Chisholm VFD fire chief. “We cover areas in the county that don’t have adequate water supply, so receiving funds to get
this truck can help us get a head start on fires before additional support arrives.”
The cost-share grant was administered through the TFS Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The
program assists VFDs like McLendon-Chisholm to secure equipment and training to enhance their emergency response
capabilities.
The McLendon-Chisholm VFD award is among the $12.8 million passed through TFS to Texas volunteer fire departments
each year. These grants are important because VFDs respond to 90 percent of wildfires in Texas. They do it with little to
no money and staff made up primarily of volunteers.
“I’m glad TFS was able to help the fire department purchase a new vehicle. The new more capable truck will be a great
help to the community.” said John Fugitt, Texas A&M Forest Service regional fire coordinator.
The Rural VFD Assistance Program was created during the 77th Texas Legislature. Largely due to the many programs
that assist fire departments, the state agency has received seven national awards from the USDA Forest Service for
extensive work in assisting underserved communities.