For the Nueces Jim Wells County Emergency Service District #5 Volunteer Fire
Department, a new tanker meant the difference in having to rely on mutual aid for on-scene water supply
and being able to provide it themselves.
A grant in the amount of $200,000 from Texas A&M Forest Service helped the VFD its first tanker.
“We didn’t have any way to haul water before receiving this grant,” Fire Chief Wayne Wursthorn said.
“Now we will be able to haul water to rural areas. We will also have a pumper to take.”
The VFD has previously utilized the program to help build the capacity of its department.
“We used the grant program to get new personal protective gear and also a new computer to use for
training and keeping up with our fire runs,” Wursthorn said.
The new tanker will provide a water source not only for this department, but also neighboring areas.
“There is not much tanker capacity in [this department’s] area, so this new truck will be a regional asset
for both them and the surrounding fire departments,” Regional Fire Coordinator Craig Olson said.
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.
To learn more about this program visit texasfd.com.