Feb. 9, 2016 — TROY, Texas — Troy Volunteer Fire Department received a $17,000 grant
from the Rural VFD Assistance Program through Texas A&M Forest Service. The grant was
used to purchase a new slip-on unit with a 780-gallon water tank and a 23-horsepower pump,
capable of pumping 250 gallons of water per minute.
“The slip-on will greatly enhance the capabilities of our fleet,” said Troy VFD Fire Chief Justin
Jackson. “The unit was mounted on a 5-ton truck and will allow the department to better access
the rough terrain when fighting wildland fires.”
Having an available water source when fighting wildland fires on the farmland near Troy can be
a challenge.
“The 780-gallon water tank will help to relieve concerns over water accessibility when fighting
fires in the rural environment,” said Mitchell LaMonte, Texas A&M Forest Service, RFC.
Volunteer firefighters operate 85 percent of the fire departments in Texas. This year, Texas A&M
Forest Service will pass approximately $24.3 million to VFDs across the state. The grants aid
them in purchasing equipment and obtaining vital firefighter training, giving them greater
capabilities to protect life and property in their communities.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.