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Arp, Texas, Volunteer Fire Department to Dedicate Two New Fire Trucks

Aug. 8- ARP- Two new fire trucks added to the Arp Volunteer Fire Department fleet will take center stage Saturday during a demonstration and dedication ceremony at Arp City Park.

Barry Barnett with the Arp Volunteer Fire Department said the community is invited to watch firefighters demonstrate some of the new fire trucks’ features and join in on the celebration which includes a free barbecue dinner.

“We will be showing the pumping capabilities of the trucks right behind the fire station,” he said.

During the past year the Arp Volunteer Fire Department was awarded more than $300,000 in grants from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Texas Forest Service to purchase the new trucks, breathing apparatuses and an oxygen refill system for the firefighters.

“The main reason we’re doing this is to bring the community together. These (fire trucks) were purchased with some of their tax dollars through the federal government,” Barnett said. “They should feel like they’ve had a hand in it.”

The department also used funds from the Smith County Emergency Services District No. 2 to pay for legal and administrative fees in applying for the grants.

The festivities kick off at 4 p.m. at the park located behind the Arp Volunteer Fire Department fire station at 107 West Longview St.

The dedication ceremony will start at 5 p.m. and will include a flag presentation by Smith County Commissioner Bobby VanNess on behalf of Senator Kevin Eltife. The ceremony will be followed by a free barbecue dinner at 6 p.m. at the fire station.

The first truck, a two-in-one grass and rescue truck, was purchased with a $92,000 FEMA grant.

With the Texas Forestry Service grand for $108,000 the fire department replaced their 1979 tanker truck with a new pumper tanker truck that allows firefighters to transport water and attack structure fires.

The new truck is capable of carrying 3,000 gallons of water compared to their 1979 truck which carried 1,800 gallons of water.

“It was on its last leg,” Barnett said of their old truck.

The total cost of the truck was $185,000 which was paid for in remainder by ESD No. 2 funds and money from the fire department’s general fund.

The third grant of $109,250 was for the purchase of new breathing apparatuses and a refill system.

“Before we had to go to other departments to refill our tanks,” Barnett said.

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