For a volunteer fire department that services approximately 4,000 people, having updated fire and rescue equipment is imperative. With the help of a grant from Texas A&M Forest Service, the Newark Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase a new slip-on unit for one of its trucks.
A slip-on unit is a highly mobile, self-contained apparatus used as an initial attack unit to fight wildland fires. The unit contains a poly tank and pressure pump that is mounted on the back of a pick-up or custom-built bed.
“This is a new addition,” said Fire Chief James Edgemon of the new unit. “We decided to keep the old unit because it was not costing us anything and it was still in decent shape. The new unit adds another brush truck to our department.”
The new slip-on unit, which was placed on a four-wheel-drive chassis, also comes with features that will help improve the efficiency of the department, according to Edgemon. “It will help with grass fires because of the 400-gallon poly tank, 10-gallon foam cell, and pump.”
The foam system is used in firefighting to deliver fire retardant foam for the purpose of extinguishing a fire or protecting unburned areas while conserving water. This will make the unit very useful in combating wildfires.
While serving under Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M Forest Service works with fire service cooperators throughout the state to minimize the loss of life and property in response to wildfires and other all-hazard emergencies. This year, Texas A&M Forest Service is set to award approximately $24.3 million in grants to volunteer fire departments for the purchase of equipment and training.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.