WHITEFACE, Texas – Whiteface Volunteer Fire Department purchased a new brush truck with the help of a
cost-share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M
Forest Service. The new truck is replacing a 1994 model that had less response capability.
“We made several calls with this new truck and even responded in mutual aid to a house fire in Morton, and it
met and exceeded our expectations,” said Whiteface VFD President/Training Captain Jay Kelley. “It is very
beneficial to the community for the department to have such a dependable apparatus with improvements that
include a larger water tank, foam capability, and better scene lighting.”
According to Kelley, when the Whiteface Volunteer Fire Department acts in mutual aid, their response area doubles
to 750 square miles, making the addition of this truck even more valuable to the department and community.
Last year, they had 81 emergency calls, 12 rescues, and two house fires.
“Whiteface VFD is currently in one of the driest parts of the Lubbock Region, and this truck increases the
department’s capacity for a quick attack on the grasslands in the area” said Texas A&M Forest Service
Regional Fire Coordinator Paige Purvis.
Whiteface Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their community since 1965.
“The department wishes to thank the community for their support,” said Kelley. “They have always been behind
us 100 percent, and because of our commitment to our community, we had the truck painted blue and white, our
high school colors and added the school mascot, the antelope, to our department decal.”
Currently, there is open enrollment for volunteers who would like to commit time to training and responding.
Whiteface VFD also has an Explorer Program that introduces major aspects of the fire service to young adults.
To apply, come to a meeting on either the first, third, or fifth Monday of the month at 6:00 p.m. at 105 West 2nd
street in Whiteface.
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 the 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.