Medina Volunteer Fire Department received a grant through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The cost share funding was used to purchase a 2016 water tender that is reported to be the largest in their region.
“This new addition to our department is out of the class of anything our department has ever had,” said Medina Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Shane Keese. “The truck is 41-feet-long, has a 4,000-gallon water tank, portable drop tank to hold extra water, back up camera and storage space for lots of equipment.”
According to Keese, much of their response area is rural and the water supply is sometimes limited. Being able to carry 4,000 gallons of water to a rural structure fire can make the difference between getting a fire under control or limited response.
“The primary mission of this truck is moving water, keeping the supply of water coming for whatever the incident may be,” said Keese.” The tender has already been out on four calls, three of which were mutual aid response. One of those was the big Utopia Fire. The department was able to supply 7,000 gallons of water.”
The department was established in 1974 and provides fire protection for those living in their 386 square mile protection area. The department is always looking for new recruits who are willing to give their time to the community.
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 VFDs 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.