Tucker VFD increases their capacity to perform rescues
with a grant from Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Tucker VFD is located on the south east portion of Anderson County,” said Texas A&M Forest
Service District Fire Coordinator Troy Case. “With the widening of the highway in their
community and the amount of traffic this particular highway receives, the new rescue tools will
be a great resource.”
The cutter, spreader and battery pack supplement Tucker VFD’s current equipment. The new
tools are more efficient due to not having to be hooked up to a hose or gas engine.
“Highway 79 goes through Palestine and right now there is a lot of road construction and
travelers don’t want to slow down for it,” Tucker VFD Fire Chief Rick Sparks said. “We get a lot
of response calls for auto accidents and sometimes extrication is needed. These new tools are
battery powered and can be put into response service with just the flip of a switch.”
While serving under Texas A&M AgriLife, Texas A&M Forest Service works with fire service
cooperators throughout the state to minimize the loss of life and property in response to wildfires
and other all-hazard emergencies. This year Texas A&M Forest Service is set to award
approximately $24.3 million in grants to volunteer fire departments for the purchase of
equipment and training.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.