THORNTON, Texas — Thornton Volunteer Fire Department received a cost share grant through the Rural
Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. The grant helped
to purchase a slip-on unit that was installed onto a truck that the department owned.
“We have a lot of grass fires because our area is rural with farms and ranches,” said Thornton VFD Fire Chief
Paul Miller. “We occasionally have a farm equipment fire as well so this unit will be a great benefit in several
areas.”
The slip-on unit has a 250-gallon water tank and a 10-gallon foam tank.
“Having the option of using foam when fighting a fire means the difference in having 250 gallons of straight
water or adding foam and increasing the wetting power to about 2,800 gallons of firefighting substance,” said
Miller.
The department members received training on the new slip-on unit and are prepared to respond to wildland fires
in their immediate area and in mutual aid.
“Thornton Volunteer Fire Department received a slip-on unit that will be a big asset to them by increasing their
potential for quicker fire suppression,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Matthew
Schlaefer.
The department has open enrollment for volunteers. An application may be submitted any third Tuesday at 6:30
p.m. at the station located at 1001 North Marshall Street in Thornton.
“We appreciate Texas A&M Forest Service for having the grant program available to help with the purchase of
firefighting equipment and also for local banking support that helped to make this purchase possible,” said
Miller.
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.