KEMPNER, Texas—The Kempner (TX) Volunteer Fire Department received a $191,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. The cost-share grant was used to purchase a 2018 tender built on a Peterbuilt chassis with a 3,000-gallon water tank, 3,000-gallon drop tank, and a 1,000-gpm pump.

The tender, also known as a tanker in some regions, will help to increase the capacity of the department when responding to fires in areas where water supply is an issue.

“The newer subdivisions in our area have fire hydrants, but the older subdivisions do not have a ready water source,” said Kempner VFD Chief Dan Hause. “This new apparatus will allow the firefighters to have more water available for the initial attack when fighting grass or structure fires, increasing their potential to knock a fire down quickly.”

This tender is replacing a 1997 Dodge tanker that was starting to have transmission problems, and parts were hard to find. The new tanker will eliminate the need for repairs, is faster when responding, and delivers much more water. It will be the second out truck on all fires in the service area and when responding to mutual aid with other fire departments.

“This new addition will allow the Kempner Volunteer Fire Department to be better equipped, ensuring greater safety for the firefighters and the community,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Gabe Mahlum.

The department worked diligently, having several fund raisers, to help with the cost-share portion. “The community has been very supportive by responding to fund raisers for this new tender and we are also grateful to Lampasas County and Texas A&M Forest Service for making the addition to our fleet possible,” said Hause.

For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit http://texasfd.com.