June 12, 2017 — SANGER, Texas — Sanger Volunteer Fire Department replaced an aging brush truck with a
2017 Dodge Ram 5500 Chassis with 4-wheel drive. The purchase was made using funding from a cost-share
grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
A brush truck is an initial-attack unit used to help meet the demands of the fire service. It is a pickup truck or
chassis that has a tank, pump, and hose mounted to the bed or platform and is used as a quick assault on grass
and brush fires.
“The older brush truck had outlived its service life, and it was continually needing repairs,” said Sanger VFD
Fire Chief David Pennington. “We cover 130 square miles, including two communities and a large rural area.
The department needed a vehicle that was dependable, lessoning our need to call for mutual aid, which is 18
miles away.”
Wildland or grass fires can be a serious threat to lives and property. Having the capacity to knock down a fire
quickly reduces the likelihood of the fire spreading and causing major damage.
“Grass fires have the potential to spread quickly,” said Pennington. “This brush truck is equipped with a slip-on
unit that has foam capability which is very beneficial is helping to smother the fire and keep it from reigniting.”
The slip-on unit that was assembled on this new chassis was previously awarded to the department through the
same Texas A&M Forest Service assistance program. The addition of the slip-on completed the conversion into
a brush truck capable of swift, reliable response. The primary use will be wildland fires but the department will
also have it available for any emergency response if needed.
Sanger VFD was established in 1896 during the time of the Bucket Brigade. Over time, it has developed into the
dedicated department that it is today with safety and training top priorities.
The department has open enrollment and welcomes anyone wanting to give back to the community. They may
pick up an application at the Sanger City Hall, 502 Elm Street, Monday through Thursday, 8 – 5 p.m.
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 Texas State Legislature and administered by
Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural VFDs 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.