Linden VFD welcomes large brush truck to fleet

LINDEN, Texas — The Linden Volunteer Fire Department in Cass County used a $240,000 grant from Texas A&M Forest Service’s Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to purchase a large brush truck.

The 2023 International chassis is equipped with a 600-gallon water tank, custom-built pump package, large storage boxes, wench and extrication equipment. The truck will be used to respond to wildland fires, structure fires and vehicle accidents. It replaces a 27-year-old truck.

Linden Volunteer Fire Department Chief Robert Luzio said the new truck is smaller than the department’s engine and can be driven by anyone in the department without a special certification.

“It’s nice to have the flexibility of a smaller vehicle,” Luzio said. “This truck can get to places our engine can’t access.”

Luzio said anyone interested in joining the department can visit during weekly meetings each Monday at 7 p.m. at the station, 201 W. Houston St. in Linden.

As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service administers the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and is committed to protecting lives, property and natural resources. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas Legislature and provides cost-share 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, visit texasfd.com.