“We’re lucky to get these grants,” Formica added, referring to the two grants totaling over $600,000 the department received through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for new air packs and an exhaust system inside the firehouse to remove toxic fumes from the truck’s exhaust.  

Formica said that the fire district does not have the resources to come up with that kind of money when considering other expenses like pensions, salaries and maintenance.

The tender was purchased with a $200,000 cost share grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.  

A water tender, also known as a tanker in some regions, is a specialized firefighting apparatus designed for transporting water from a water source to a fire scene.

 

The truck also has a 3,000-gallon water drop tank and increased storage space for equipment.

The foundation directors presented 15 checks — each in the amount of $20,000 — to the 13 fire departments in Delta County and to the Delta County Sheriff Department Dive Team. Another donation was given to the Goodman Armstrong Rescue Squad, in Goodman, Wis., where Besse Forest Products Group owns and operates a lumber and veneer mill. 

Paramedic Isaac Baker said the new LED lights on the truck are nice to have after having to use a generator to use flood lights with their old truck.  

"The new truck is amazing compared to our old rescue truck," Baker said.

He also said it was faster.