August 9, 2016 — FERRIS, Texas — Texas A&M Forest Service recently awarded a $96,675 grant to Ferris
Fire Department for a new brush truck through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The truck, a 2016 Ford F-550, is a replacement for a smaller 12-year-old truck.
“The old truck had a smaller water tank and no foam unit,” said Ferris FD Chief Tom Leverentz. “The water
tank on this truck is a 400-gallon tank with a 10-gallon foam system.”
The new truck also has a bumper-mounted monitor controlled from inside the cab, freeing up manpower for
other tasks, according to Leverentz.
“It has helped us with staffing issues,” Chief Leverentz explained. “Having the option to start fighting a fire
with minimal staffing will improve response time and resolve the need to wait on multiple responders.”
“This vehicle is a real plus to us and will be of great benefit to the community and the ESD,” said Leverentz.
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 the 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.