Butler Volunteer Fire Department received a grant for a small truck chassis through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. The department built out the chassis as a light rescue truck that can also serve as a small brush truck with a 250-gallon water tank and a 20-gallon foam tank.
“This new apparatus will primarily serve as a medical/rescue vehicle,” said Butler VFD Fire Chief Kurt Kropp. “Over time our medical response has increased to be about 85 percent of our calls, making it necessary to have a truck equipped and ready to respond.”
U.S. Route 79 along with Farm to Market roads create the potential for the need for extrication tools and other rescue equipment that will be carried on the new truck.
Safety is a priority for Chief Kropp and the department members.
“Responders knowing how to properly use rescue tools is a must for the safety of responders and the victim of an accident,” said Kropp. “Butler VFD members have taken advantage of the training grants offered by Texas A&M Forest Service and participated in automobile extrication and other rescue training sponsored by Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), making the department knowledgeable and prepared to respond.”
Butler Volunteer Fire Department was created in 1985 and welcomes community participation.
“We appreciate the monetary support of our community,” said Kropp. “We also have open enrollment for community members who would like to volunteer at the department. To apply or just see what our VFD is all about come to a meeting the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at the fire department located at 1354 Highway 84 Ease in Oakwood.”
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.
