HORSESHOE BAY, Texas –- Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department added a 2021 Dodge brush truck to their
fleet thanks to a $100,000 cost share grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program.
“The main purpose of this truck will be as a light brush truck used in fast response to brush/grass fires and medical
calls,” said Sandy Harbor VFD Fire Chief Larry Smith.
The truck has a 300-gallon water tank, compressed air foam system (CAFS), front bumper monitor and scene
lighting.
“We currently have two heavy brush trucks built from excess military trucks,” said Smith. “They do well once at
the scene but are 20 miles per hour slower in route when compared to this new light brush truck. Having both
means, we can respond faster with the new truck and then use the heavy units for staying power.”
The truck has ample storage for wildland firefighting tools and medical equipment.
“A fire department’s ability to respond quickly and with the proper equipment is a major factor when responding
to any type of emergency situation, whether it be a medical call, structural or wildland fire,” said Texas A&M
Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator William Hood. “The addition of this new firefighting apparatus will
increase Sandy Harbor VFD’s ability to respond and respond quickly, it will not only be a benefit to the
community of Sandy Harbor, but the surrounding communities as well.”
Volunteer Fire Departments make up the bulk of Texas firefighters and are the first line of defense for many areas.
“We would like to express our appreciation to our community for their continued support that helps us with
operational costs and maintaining fire service,” said Smith.
Sandy Harbor Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1981 and serves about 130 homes with numerous out
buildings. Anyone wishing to join as a volunteer may email the department at [email protected].
Texas A&M Forest Service is an agency operating within the Texas A&M University System and as the Rural
Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administrator is committed to protecting lives, property and natural
resources. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by Texas State Legislature and
provides cost-share 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.