TROY, Texas — Troy Volunteer Fire Department received a $14,000 cost-share grant to help purchase
equipment (slip-on unit) to transform a truck into a firefighting apparatus. The grant was through the Rural
Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“The primary mission for this new slip-on unit will be wildland firefighting,” said Troy VFD Fire Chief Justin
Jackson. “We offer fire service to residents in a 128-square-mile area and a large portion of that is rural farming
and developing subdivisions.”
A slip-on unit is designed to become a fast initial-attack firefighting unit. It is used in wildland firefighting as
well as structure and auto fires and is a complete self-contained firefighting apparatus designed for a pickup
truck or custom-built vehicle platform.
“This unit will be installed onto a vehicle that we currently have in our fleet,” said Jackson. “The department
members will be doing special training to become familiar with the unit and be ready to counter wildfires.”
The 200-gallon water tank will help increase firefighting capacity.
“Having an extra 200 gallons of water at the onset of a fire can help with a quicker knock-down,” said Texas
A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Matthew Schlaefer. “It will be a benefit not only to the
community but also with mutual aid.”
Troy Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their area since 1956 and has open enrollment for new
volunteers. To apply, visit their website at http://troyvfd.com.
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.