The East Leon County Volunteer Fire Department has a new ride.
As a recipient of a $100,000 grant, the VFD purchased a small brush truck that will increase their
emergency response capabilities.
The grant was provided through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Fire Department Assistance
Program.
“Without the help of the grant from TFS we would’ve never come up with enough money to afford the new
truck. We are glad the grant could help us out,” said Sherry Smith, East Leon County VFD secretary.
Holding 400 gallons of water and equipped with a foam pump system, the new brush truck will help the
department efficiently fight wildland fires.
“This replaces an older model that was outfitted with a skid unit that’s been in use for nearly 25 years,”
said Smith, “We’re glad to have this truck with updated and reliable equipment.”
The grants offered by TFS are important because VFDs respond to 90 percent of wildfires in Texas. The
departments are staffed primarily with volunteers who operate with little to no money.
The East Leon County VFD award is among the $12.8 million passed through TFS to Texas volunteer fire
departments each year.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.