PARIS, Texas — For Lamar County Midway VFD, a new tanker is essential to better serve the southern part of the
county. This is especially true since they previously relied on help from the northern half of the county for fire
relief.
A grant in the amount of $188,610 from Texas A&M Forest Service helped the department meet this need.
“The northern part of the county had to serve us constantly with their tanker,” Midway VFD Fire Chief John
Cunningham said. “This program was absolutely critical for us because otherwise it would be impossible for a
department our size to ever purchase any equipment like that.”
The new tanker replaced a 1968 military vehicle that was outdated and dangerous to drive, according to
Cunningham.
“Our old truck had no power steering, no air or heat, and only carried 1,200 gallons to the scene,” Cunningham
said. “With the new tanker we will be able to carry 3,500 gallons, and it will also function as an engine pumper. It
will pump and service multiple hands at any location.”
Regional Fire Coordinator Nathan Carroll said the tanker will benefit the community greatly, and was received with
much excitement and thanks.
“The new tanker will give the department more water carrying capacity,” Carroll said. “They will be more prepared
to respond when the community needs them. Without the grant the tanker would be something that this
department would never have been able to afford, and they were very grateful.”
TFS passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state every year, helping
them purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.