Killeen, Texas — Southwest Bell County Volunteer Fire Department recently received an $18,000 grant from Texas A&M
Forest Service to purchase a new slip-on unit. It will be used on a truck chassis they received from a 2003 TFS grant.
The slip-on unit is already in use and was recently used to fight a brush fire. “The topography was very tight, and it was
difficult to maneuver the rough terrain and sheer cliffs. It was a benefit to have this new high pressure, 400-gallon water
tank, and 5-gallon foam unit, ” says Fire Chief Joe Bailey.
The VFD serves a 98-square-mile service area, including Fort Hood. According to TFS, Regional Fire Coordinator Mitchell
LaMonte, “The newly converted truck, with the new slip-on unit, will serve the department well and be a piece of
reliable equipment.”
Volunteer firefighters operate 85 percent of the fire departments in Texas. This year,TFS will pass approximately $24.3
million along to VFDs across the state. The grant funding aids in purchasing equipment and obtaining vital firefighter
training, giving them greater capabilities to protect life and property in their communities.
“The TFS vehicle and equipment programs are a good thing for volunteer fire departments. One of the most positive
points is that the regional fire coordinators are so helpful in assisting us with any issues we may have. They are very
good about answering or finding the answer to questions,” Bailey said.
To learn more about the Rural VFD Assistance Program, visit http://texasfd.com.