The Avery-Pickett Volunteer Fire Department added a new piece of hardware to assist with fighting fires.
The department now has a 2,000-gallon tender with a 1250 GPM pump, which is typically used by firefighters to supply water to fire hose reels, fire hydrants or sprinkler systems. This pump qualifies the truck as an engine.
“This truck will serve our territory as well as those of our neighbors if requested,” said John Shelton, Avery-Pickett chief.
Shelton said this gives the department a massive tender ability of 5,000 gallons and a combined wildland brush capability of 1,550 gallons.
“As a rural department with limited water capabilities, these numbers matter,” he said.
Avery-Pickett is a completely separate entity that has no affiliation with the city. They receive no funding from the city or its residents, and they have no oversight from the city.
“Like our other purchases, no taxpayer funds were spent for the purchase of this vehicle or the equipment on it,” Shelton said.
The Avery-Pickett Fire Department consists of volunteers. The department serves unincorporated areas outside the city limits of Taylor, unless called to assist the city.
