Tool Volunteer Fire Department replaced a 1968 water tender with a lighter, more dependable tender.
“Tool VFD combined a $90,000 grant that they received through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program with monies from the Emergency Service District and fund raising,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Joshua Bardwell. “They purchased a large truck chassis that has a 3,000-gallon water tank and a 500-gallon-per-minute Hale pump. This purchase will help increase their resources when serving their community.”
The department transformed a low-mileage 2007 chassis by adding a new 3,000-gallonwater tank, pump and 3,000-gallon dump tank, air packs with extra bottles, firefighting equipment and fire hose.
“Our town has just a few fire hydrants so we are glad to have a much more reliable tender that will be ready to respond quicker and carry a vital water supply to the scene,” said Tool VFD Fire Chief Rodney McClain. “Having access to a large quantity of water from the start allows for quicker fire suppression.”
The truck is in service and fire department members are receiving training on the different aspects of the new truck.
Tool Volunteer Fire Department was established in 1969 and the 20 committed volunteers proudly serve their community and surrounding area.
Find out how to volunteer with Tool VFD at toolfirerescue.com or visit with them May 26 at their annual crawfish boil held at the fire station at 525 South Tool Drive, 11 a.m. until 8 p.m.
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.