DIKE, Texas – Dike Volunteer Fire Department recently replaced a 1976 brush truck with a new custom-build brush truck thanks to a cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. Dike VFD received $100,000 from Texas A&M Forest Service during the RVFDAP 2020 funding cycle.
A brush truck is a fire engine specifically designed to assist in fighting grass fires by transporting firefighters, water, and other equipment necessary in fire suppression, Dike VFD members noted.
Dike VFD’snew custom-build brush truck has a 300-gallon water tank and a lot of storage area for wildland tools. The truck is in service and has been used to respond to several fires.
“The primary mission of this new truck will be for fires in our rural areas, but it will also be used when responding to vehicle accidents,” said Dike VFD Fire Chief A.G. Sandifeer. “We are very pleased to have this reliable brush truck as part of our fleet. It can seat three volunteers, has 4-wheel-drive, a winch receiver on the front and back of the truck, scene lighting and a charging port to help keep the truck batteries ready to perform.”
“Approximately 70 percent of Texas fire service is filled by volunteer fire departments,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Cody Mayo. “Dike VFD is one of those departments and is made up of a small group of volunteers who have servant hearts for their community and surrounding county. Having this new truck in their fleet will help them as they serve by increasing the department’s firefighting capacity.”
“The department appreciates Texas A&M Forest Service having grant programs available to aid small volunteer fire departments across the state,” said Sandifeer. “Having this truck in our fleet will not only help with fire suppression in our area but contribute to greater safety for our volunteers.”
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.
