APPLE SPRINGS, Texas –– Apple Springs Volunteer Fire Department improved both its equipment and its
capabilities with the help of an $18,000 grant administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The cost share grant helped the VFD purchase a new slip-on unit with compressed air foam capabilities.
“Before receiving this grant, the newest unit we had was about 15 years old,” Gary Mathison said, President of
Apple Springs VFD. “It was old and getting rather worn. This new unit has better features and upgrades our
ability to serve the public.”
The new unit is multifaceted in its ability to fight many different kinds of fires, according to Mathison.
“This unit can be an initial attack on a structure fire and can also be used on car fires and wildfires,” Mathison
said. “Gaining this new unit upgraded both our equipment and our capabilities.”
TFS provides eligible fire departments with programs designed to enhance their ability to protect the public and
fire service personnel from fire and related hazards.
“The other unit they were using went out of service,” Regional Fire Coordinator Ricky Holbrook said. “This new unit
will get a lot of use and help that area tremendously.”
Over 85% of fire departments in the state of Texas are either completely or mostly operated by volunteers. TFS
passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state every year, helping them
purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.