March 22, 2017 — Ennis, Texas — Telico Volunteer Fire Department enhanced its fire service capacity with
the help of a $200,000 grant through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance
Program.
“This new 2016 upgrade is replacing a 1982 Ford that was originally built by another fire department,” said
Telico VFD Fire Chief Van Fowler. “The older truck served us well, but it was time for it to retire. The new
large brush truck will be a multipurpose vehicle. It has updated equipment that will save us time and give the
department a better option when protecting our community as well as mutual aid response.”
According to Fowler, the truck has greater water-carrying capability, a compressed air foam system, front
bumper cab-operated nozzle, and a 16,000-pound winch. All of which help to meet the need of wildland, structure
, and vehicle fire challenges in the rural area.
“This truck will give us an advantage when responding to large fires because it takes less manpower to
operate,” said Fowler. “Man-power is a premium, especially during the day when there is usually a smaller crew
available because people are at their full-time jobs.”
Telico VFD has been serving the area since 1967 and are always looking for dedicated volunteers that would
like to contribute back to their community. Anyone wanting to apply may do so by attending a meeting at the
fire station on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m.
“Telico VFD is proud to be part of the HB2604 Texas A&M Forest Service Program,” said Fowler. “Small
departments like Telico usually aren’t part of a fire district, nor do they receive county funding to update
equipment. Having the grant program available helps the departments acquire the tools needed to save lives and
property.”
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 VFDs 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.