Trinidad Volunteer Fire Department has upgraded its equipment with help from a $11,300
grant administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
The grant helped the department purchase a set of new nozzles to be placed on the VFDs existing pumper to
enhance its capabilities.
“These nozzles are monitors that allow you to put water on a fire and not get very close to it,” Fire Chief
Arthur Arnold said. “It helps with the safety issues and also decreases the need for manpower. We can also
operate by remote control up to 100 feet away from the truck.”
According to Chief Arnold, safety is a big issue since the area the department covers includes both a power
plant and a gas plant.
“Trinidad VFD is in an area that has gas and oil, and there are always safety concerns,” Regional Fire
Coordinator Justin Lynch said. “The monitor nozzles will help them get to a serious fire and cool it off from a
distance.”
Over 85 percent of fire departments in the state of Texas are either completely or mostly operated by
volunteers. TFS passes approximately $12.8 million along to volunteer fire departments across the state every
year, helping them purchase equipment to better protect lives and property.
“TFS does a great job assisting volunteer fire departments,” Arnold said. “It helps them meet equipment needs that
they otherwise would not be able to afford.”
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.