ABILENE, Texas — A $155,000 grant from the Texas A&M Forest Service enabled Hamby Volunteer
Fire Department to upgrade from a 1984 model truck to a brand new tanker.
“We applied for the grant so we could better the department and get newer and more modern
equipment to serve our area,” Assistant Fire Chief Charles Tice said. “Our equipment was aging, so
we were trying to update it.”
As the VFD’s first truck to receive through the House Bill 2604 Rural VFD Assistance Program, the
new tanker will add several capabilities to the department.
“We will be able to get better off-road capabilities and help in wildland and urban spaces,” Tice
said. “It will allow us to get to areas we weren’t able to reach before.”
Serving approximately 208 square miles, having the ability to reach more wildland fires will improve
the department drastically, according to TFS Regional Fire Coordinator Jim Cooper.
“The new type 3 engine tanker is going to improve their wild land capability because of the off road
accessibility it will give them,” Cooper said. “The terrain is pretty rugged and this will allow them to
bring a large quantity of water where they couldn’t bring it in the past.”
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.