MIDLAND, Texas – Northeast Midland County Volunteer Fire Department received a $200,000 cost share
grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest
Service.
“This truck has been in service since day one,” said Northeast Midland County VFD Assistant Fire Chief Zack
Czelada. “Three hours after we got the truck, it was put to work. We were called to a 300-acre fire, and having an
apparatus that can hold a large quantity of water is very valuable in getting the fire under control.”
The truck has a 1,500-gallon water tank and foam capability. The department will be having a special fund
raiser to help equip the truck with firefighting tools. Those interested in making a donation can visit their
website at northeastvfd.com/donate.
“Our department responded to 15 fires on July 4th weekend alone,” said Czelada. “We are very pleased to have
a truck that will be so beneficial in wildland firefighting but can also function as a dual-purpose apparatus used
to haul water to the scene of a structure fire.”
Volunteer fire departments make up over 70 percent of the first line of defense for communities in Texas.
Northeast Midland County Volunteer Fire Department is manned completely by volunteers.
“Our department has been serving this community and surrounding area since 1984, and we wish to thank the
Midland County residents and officials for their continual support,” said Czelada.
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 the 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.