The Fort Davis Volunteer Fire Department has ushered in a new era of firefighting readiness with the recent acquisition of a new Ford F550 Brush Truck, enhancing their ability to address off-road and wild-land fire challenges.
Unlike traditional fire apparatuses, the new brush truck is designed to move swiftly, particularly vital in challenging terrains. Some features of this state-of-the-art vehicle include:
- Lightweight Composite Material: Ensures durability without succumbing to rust or corrosion.
- Advanced Maintenance System: Features stainless steel manifolds with Victaulic couplings, allowing for easy upkeep.
- On-the-go Diagnostics: A multiplex electrical system with field diagnostics capabilities means issues can be addressed directly in the field, minimizing downtime.
This significant addition was made possible through the Texas Rural VFD Assistance Program. Since its inception in 2002, this program has played an instrumental role in bolstering rural Volunteer Fire Departments throughout Texas. Specifically for brush trucks, the initiative offers up to 90% coverage of the actual cost, with a cap of $120,000 in grant assistance per vehicle. For vehicles equipped with Compressed Air Foam Systems (CAFS), the grant ceiling is $138,000.
For more information on the Texas Rural VFD Assistance Program, interested individuals can contact the program’s official representatives or refer to state legislative resources.
