PUTNAM, Texas –– With limited funding available, many volunteer fire departments struggle to find
money to operate at full capacity. Putnam VFD recently received a grant from Texas A&M Forest Service
to help purchase a new slip-on unit for one of its existing trucks.
The new slip-on will replace an older unit that kept breaking down.
“The tank that is on one of our trucks was broken down,” Fire Chief Marty Smith said. “This [the grant] is
the only way we could get a piece of equipment like this.”
The slip-on will enhance the department’s ability to efficiently fight fires.
“It will give us a better ability to control wildland fires because the pump will be more efficient,” Smith said.
“It also gives us more water capabilities.”
Over 85% of fire departments in the state of Texas are either completely or mostly operated by
volunteers. TFS passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state
every year, helping them purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
“With this funding, they were able to update their equipment and bring some of their trucks up to current
standards,” Regional Fire Coordinator Charles Tice said. “It will be a great asset to them.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.