Loyal Valley Volunteer Fire Department received a $45,000 cost share grant
through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest
Service. The funds were used to help purchase a new Ram 3500 truck chassis with a custom built bed
to accommodate the growing needs of the department.
“This truck has a 300-gallon water tank and will be used for quick attack on wildland fires,” said fire
Chief and VFD founder John Byerley. “The truck was also equipped with large storage areas that will
house medical and rescue equipment. Our large response area is very rural and includes U.S. Highway
87, so it is important for our volunteers to have the skills and tools needed for extrication and trauma as
well as firefighting.”
According to Byerley the truck will be a great benefit and will allow them to respond quickly and
effectively.
“We really appreciate the grant programs offered by the Texas A&M Forest service,” said Byerley.
“The programs have been very helpful to us, especially the FEPP and FFP military truck programs.
They have allowed us to continue to keep our doors open since we were established in September
2011.”
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.