Diana Volunteer Fire Department adds to fleet through grant 

By Lauren Bosworth

DIANA— Diana Volunteer Fire Department purchased a new vehicle with funds from the Rural  Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.  

The vehicle will primarily be used in brush, grass and wildland fires. The vehicle will allow firefighters  the ability to reach areas that might not be accessible with other vehicles. The Ford F350 pickup It is  also equipped with a slip-on unit that can hold 350 gallons of water and 5 gallons of foam. 

“We are in the process of building a second fire station to provide better coverage for our district. This  brush truck will allow both stations to be better equipped,” said Justin Hankins, the department’s  assistant chief. 

As soon as the vehicle was put into service, it was used on three grass fires.  

Diana VFD is recruiting new members. To learn more, community members are welcome to drop by the  fire station any Tuesday night or engage with the department through Facebook. 

As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service administers the  Rural VFD 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.