POWDERLY, Texas -– Powderly Volunteer Fire Department upgraded from a 1991 firefighting slip-on unit
thanks to a cost-share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by
Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Our department is grateful to have received a $20,000 grant to help replace an older slip-on unit that had
decreased water pressure, a leaking pump, and really couldn’t fight much fire,” said Powderly VFD Fire Chief
Roger Bussell. “Having this new unit gives us the capability to have another fire vehicle to put on the front
line.”
A slip-on unit is a complete self-contained firefighting system designed for wildland firefighting as well as
structure fires. The unit that the department purchased has a 200-gallon poly water tank.
“Thanks to our community support,t the department was able to raise the cost share portion to make the
purchase, and without this and other grants through Texas A&M Forest Service, our department and other small
departments would be in dire straights for equipment,” said Bussell.
According to Bussell, 60 percent of their calls are for grass fires, and the unit has already been put into service
responding to such a call.
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.