The Novice Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) has finally acquired the new Heavy Bush/Tender Truck the department has been working towards to add to their fleet.
Novice VFD Chief Chris Shoemate said that in order to secure the truck, a lot of thanks goes to Henry Blackman who he said did a lot of hard work throughout the whole process.
“Henry worked tirelessly from start to finish and made sure that we were able to get this truck for our department,” Shoemate said.
It was after many chili suppers, fairground snack shacks, fish fries, donations through the Lamar County Water and Sewer District (LCWSD) as well as a grant from the Texas Forest Service, the Department’s work and patience paid off.
Shoemate said that the support from the Texas Forest Service was a pivotal factor in the department being able to secure the brush truck as the truck itself didn’t cost the department anything.
He estimated that Novice VFD spent around $15,000 to ensure the skid unit, pump tank and decal painting to get it fully operational.
On Wednesday Shoemate said the department’s firefighters got together to learn about and test out the truck. They also posted the video their Facebook page (@Novice1801), showcasing what the new truck looks like for locals to enjoy as well.
Also announced this week is the 2nd Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser for the department, which is being hosted with the help of Novice Baptist Church in their Fellowship Hall.
“Last year was a lot of fun, and we are really looking forward to welcoming locals out again to our fish fry,” Shoemate said.
It’s an all you can eat fried fish, fresh cut fries, hush puppies, beans, coleslaw, sliced onions, sweet and unsweetened tea, as well as various homemade desserts.
Homemade desserts will also be up for auction on the evening, he also welcomes any other donations from the public to auction off if they choose to donate an item for the event.
“We get so much great support from our community, families, individuals and businesses alike. We as a department are always grateful for any donations or simply turning up to a fundraiser to show support,” Shoemate said.
The fundraiser is scheduled for June 8th running from 4-8 p.m. The event will be located next door to Novice VFD at the Novice Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. With plenty of parking on hand, the VFD crew will also have all their trucks on display including the new brush truck for event goers to check out.
Pricing for the event is $10 for those aged 11 and older, and $6 for those aged 10 and younger.
