TEAGUE, Texas — Teague Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) added a new, large brush truck to their fleet
thanks to a $198,000 Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service.
“This brush truck will be beneficial to the department because it can fill several roles,” said Teague Fire Chief
Jody Bodine. “It gives us another tool helping with faster knockdown of grass fires and a better defense for
structure and vehicle fires. The sooner we can get a wet line down the quicker the fire is extinguished.”
The truck will carry 500 gallons of water and 20 gallons of foam. The foam is a fire retardant that increases the
effectiveness of water and can help to quickly extinguish a fire, limiting damage. It is also equipped with front
bumper spray nozzles that are controlled from inside the cab. Bodine said the four-wheel drive will be a great
benefit when trying to reach fires on ranch lands and during floods when high-water rescue may be needed.
The volunteers received special training on the operation of the truck to help familiarize them with the vehicle
and it has already been out on several response calls.
“The department is very thankful for the backing of the community, Freestone County and the County
Commissioner,” said Bodine. “The Texas A&M Forest Service grant and the help from the local supporters
made this purchase achievable. It would be impossible for a lot of the volunteer fire departments to have up-to
date firefighting equipment without grant assistance and community support.”
Teague VFD has been operating since 1907 and is an all-volunteer department. Anyone wishing to join may
come by the fire station at 400 Cedar Street or City Hall during regular business hours.
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 the 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.