Noonday Volunteer Fire Department accepted delivery of a new pumper/water tender. This new addition to their fleet was made possible thanks to a cost share grant from Texas A&M Forest Service through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
“Noonday Volunteer Fire Department’s new pumper-tender is a versatile apparatus that will allow the firefighters to tackle a variety of emergencies in the wildland urban interface of East Texas,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Josh Bardwell. “It has the necessary components to be a water tender supporting other fire engines and the ability to operate as a frontline fire engine that can pump high volumes of water and Class A foam through its Compressed Air Foam System to effectively suppress fire.”
The truck is equipped with a 1,000-gallon water tank, has draft capability and a rear mounted telescope dump valve with front, side and rear discharges.
“This new apparatus will be more reliable than our 21-year-old truck that was starting to need frequent maintenance,” said Noonday VFD Fire Chief Mel Harper.
The department members will receive onsite training on the new apparatus, enhancing the knowledge, skills and abilities of the members.
“We are still in the process of outfitting the tender with the tools for firefighting and rescue,” said Harper. “Once complete there will be training to familiarize department members with the trucks technology, maximizing the safety and efficiency of the departments operations.”
Noonday Volunteer Fire Department has served their community since 1974 and has open enrollment for anyone wishing to volunteer. To apply please contact Fire Chief Harper at [email protected].
Continuous support is appreciated.
“We are grateful for the support from our Emergency Service District, the communities we serve and Texas A&M Forest Service for making grant opportunities available,” said Harper.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives, property and natural resources 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.