April 18, 2017 — Valera, Texas — Valera Volunteer Fire Department received a $200,000
grant through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance
Program. This is the first factory-built fire truck in the history of the department.
“The addition of this large brush truck brought our department into the 21st Century,” said
Valera VFD Fire Chief Gary Barton. “It is automatic, has four-wheel-drive, and a very extensive
option package. Everything from ground sweep nozzles and water cannons that are remote
controlled to the built-in SCBA breathing system and telescope lighting.”
The truck can carry 1500 gallons of water and has a built-in foam system. The foam used in the
system makes the water go further and will smother the flames while coating the fuel. This
coating will help prevent the area from re-igniting.
“This will be our first-out, multiuse vehicle,” said Barton. “It is capable of handling all types of
emergency calls with fewer volunteers. Having a dual functional apparatus is a great benefit
when there is a call during the day or at times when there are fewer people to respond.”
The department received training on the use of the foam system and spent time getting
acquainted with driving such a long apparatus. The automatic transmission and smooth drive
ability made it easy to adjust to.
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 VFDs 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.