The Winona Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) increased its capacity with a 2,100-gallon water tanker through a $200,000 Rural Volunteer Fire Department cost-share grant through Texas A&M Forest Service.
“The primary use for this new tanker will be shuttling water to maintain a constant supply when fighting wildland and structure fires,” said Fire Chief Jared Jones. “It also has drafting capability for refilling from a pool or creek.”
Jones said the department has the second largest district in Smith County. The tanker will help to fill the need in the far north end of the district. The water tank is mounted to a rugged chassis to provide improved access to ranching and farm areas that may have plowed fields or narrow driveways. It went into service just in time to respond to several emergency calls.
“The department protects rural and expanding urban sprawl towards Tyler so they have to be ready to effectively tackle a myriad of emergencies, and they continue to be up to the task,” said Josh Bardwell, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator.
Winona VFD was established in 1954. Its 18 volunteers serve an area with a population of 10,000. The department is currently recruiting for new volunteers during monthly meetings at 6 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at 11525 Texas Highway 155 or the third Thursday of each month at 1211 Dallas.
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.