VAN ZANDT, Texas –– South Van Zandt Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $200,000 tanker through Texas
A&M Forest Service’s Rural VFD Assistance Program.
“We applied for the grant to replace a 1984 model tanker truck,” South Van Zandt Board of Directors President Tim
Meredith said. “The old truck was becoming hard to repair.”
A 2015 international model, the new tanker is intended to respond to rural grass fires and assist in extinguishing
structure fires if needed. It is built first and foremost to transport large amounts of water to fires.
“The truck can carry 2,000 gallons of water, pump 750 gallons per minute and fill portable dump tanks,” Meredith said.
According to Meredith, the truck’s carrying capacity is a valuable asset for their department which covers 180 square
miles and 9,000 people.
Over 85 percent of fire departments in Texas are either completely or mostly operated by volunteers. TFS passes
approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state each year, helping them purchase
equipment to better protect lives and property.
“This is the best program VFDs have ever been offered,” Meredith said.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.