Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department added a 2020 International tender with compressed air foam system (CAFS) to their fleet thanks to a $218,000 cost share grant from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“This new addition to our fleet will allow for increased response capabilities,” said Tarkington VFD Fire Chief Paul Gregory. “We appreciate the community support and the great job that Texas A&M Forest Service does making grants available to Volunteer Fire Departments.”
Tarkington VFD’s has a response area of 171-square-miles and participates in mutual aid with other volunteer fire departments.
“Having an apparatus that can hold 1,000-gallons of water will be a great benefit for a small county fire department like ours that covers a large response area,” said Gregory.
The new apparatus can transport 4 firefighters, has a CAFS capable of distributing type A and B foam and a light tower with generator for increased safety.
Tarkington Volunteer Fire Department has open enrollment for anyone wanting to give back to the community. To apply visit the department’s website at https://www.tarkingtonvfd.net/main.htm.
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.