Surfside Beach Volunteer Fire Department accepted a $200,000 cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to help purchase a new water tender with a 1,250-gallon water tank and foam capability.
“This apparatus is replacing a 1993 truck and will have a dual purpose,” said Surfside Beach VFD Fire Chief Pete David. “It will serve as a pumper/tender and also carry rescue tools. We have few fire hydrants in our area so having a large amount of water at the onset of fighting a fire helps for a quicker knockdown.”
According to David the truck is outfitted with stainless steel pipes that will withstand the salt water corrosion that is so prevalent on the coast.
The 1993 truck that is being replaced is being donated to a small Texas VFD to help increase the capacity of that department.
“I would like to thank our community that is always so supportive during fund raisers and also Texas A&M Forest Service for having the grant programs available for small volunteer fire departments,” said David. “Both have been very instrumental in the purchase of this tender.”
Surfside Beach VFD just celebrated their fifty years of service to their community and hope to continue to offer fire service for many more years.
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.