ROYCE CITY, Texas -– Thanks to a $100,000 grant, Union Valley VFD now has a new brush truck in their
fleet. The cost-share grant is through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by
Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Our department is very grateful to have a new, reliable 2020 response apparatus that was designed by five of
our department members,” said Fire Chief Wayne Clark. “This truck has greater ease of mobility and will be
our first out, carrying four firefighters.”
The brush truck has a 400-gallon poly water tank, cascade foam system, front bumper spray nozzles, a winch
and four-wheel-drive.
“The terrain in our area can be a challenge at times since there is a lot of farm and rural areas,” said Clark. “Our
fire responses are largely grass and pasture fires, and as our responsibility grows with the current population
growth, it is good to be able to replace our 2003 truck that didn’t have all the new upgrades that are so helpful to
firefighters.”
Union Valley Volunteer Fire Department is grateful for community support.
“This year, we were limited with our fundraisers, but we appreciate the community support when we had the
photo shoots and boot drives,” said Clark. “Those donations help the department maintain necessary equipment.
We also appreciate Texas A&M Forest Service for making the grant programs possible. They are the bread and
butter for so many volunteer fire departments.”
Fire Chief Clark and 19 volunteer members offer fire service covering 58 square miles. The department has
open enrollment for volunteers and welcomes new members who wish to donate their time and be trained in
proper fire response. To apply visit the department’s website at http://www.unionvalleyvfd.com/ or go by the
fire station on Saturday or Tuesday after 6 p.m. and meet everyone and learn about the application process. The
department is located at 7965 FM 1565 in Royce City.
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.