BIG LAKE, Texas –– Big Lake Volunteer Fire Department can now replace a 20-year-old truck thanks to a $200,000 grant awarded by Texas A&M Forest Service for a new brush truck. The old truck experienced a great deal of wear and tear during the 2011 fire season, according to Fire Chief Alan Garner.
“After that season we needed to replace the truck, so we applied for the TFS grant,” Garner said. “This new large brush truck has more up-to-date technology and is easier to drive, operate, and is more efficient.”
Once an application is received from a VFD in need, it stays on file until TFS can fulfill the equipment request.
Big Lake VFD protects approximately 7,000 people and 1,175 square miles of mostly rural land.
“This truck helps increase our firefighting capability because it is much more water efficient,” Garner said.
Over 85 percent of fire departments in the state of Texas are either completely or mostly operated by volunteers. TFS proudly partners with these departments to help them better protect lives and property through grants for training, protective gear, rescue equipment and trucks.
“Most VFDs are unable to get new equipment on their own,” Garner said. “TFS makes it easy to apply, and they are always very helpful.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.