Southwest Bell County Volunteer Fire Department accepted a $200,000 cost share grant from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
The grant was used to help purchase a 2019 water tender with a 1,200-gallon water tank, dump tank, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) in all seating positions, intercom system and scene lighting.
“This new tender is replacing a 1996 apparatus that was in service for many years,” said Fire Chief Joseph Bailey. “The new apparatus will be safer, easier to drive and is much more up-to-date. It not only will be used as a tender but will have a full complement of rescue equipment that will make it very useful in our large service area.”
According to Bailey the tender can carry a driver and five firefighters.
“Sometimes we get two emergency calls at one time so having the ability to transport five firefighters in one truck will help to free up other apparatus, making it possible to respond to more than one incident at a time,” said Bailey.
Southwest Bell County VFD’s 22 volunteers serve a growing urban interface. The department was established in 1983 and depend on local volunteers to man and respond to all types of emergencies.
“We really appreciate our community and the volunteers that make our department a success,” said Bailey. “We are fortunate to have such great support.”
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 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.