Bluff Dale, Lingleville fire departments use grants to help replace antiquated equipment

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Drew Sibley, Assistant Chief Bluff Dale VFD, George McCormick, Fire Chief Bluff Dale VFD Chris Brooks, Erath County Fire Coordinator, Boe Adler, TFS Fire Coordinator Albert Ray, Fire Chief Lingleville VFD, Bill Neal, Assistant Chief Lingleville VFD.

ERATH COUNTY (December 14, 2016) — The Bluff Dale and Lingleville Volunteer Fire Departments are receiving grants through Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.

Each department received a $200,000 grant used to purchase large brush trucks.

Bluff Dale VFD’s brush truck is a 2017 International four-wheel drive outfitted with an 800 gallon water tank, 10 gallon foam tank, diesel pump and a remote control monitor on the front bumper. It is replacing a 1971 federal surplus military truck.

Bluff Dale VFD Chief George McCormick was excited about the increased capabilities the new truck provides his department.

“Our area is rural, rocky, brush covered hills. The four-wheel drive will be excellent for that type of terrain and the truck will be able to go anywhere we need to go,” said McCormick. “This [truck] will help the department keep up with the increased structure responsibility in an area that is hilly and rough.”

Lingleville VFD is replacing a 1968 brush truck with a 2016 International Navistar.

The Lingleville truck boasts an 800 gallon water tank, spare, full light package, as well as a multiple water pumps, maximizing the apparatus’ firefighting capabilities.

“This truck will be our first out truck and we can use it for wildland, structure or any type of fire where ever we need it,” said Lingleville VFD Chief Albert Ray.  “The truck provides more water at the scene and is a very up to date firefighting apparatus.”

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 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.

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