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Fire chief: Department stuck with faulty equipment

The fire department is currently working with leaky fire trucks, worn out equipment and broken radios

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EDCOUCH, Texas — Equipment at a volunteer fire department isn’t meeting state standards and is affecting the way they fulfill their duties.

KRGV reported that the Edcouch (Texas) Volunteer Fire Department is currently working with leaky fire trucks, worn out equipment and broken radios.

“We lose 50 to 100 gallons a day,” Asst. Fire Chief Joe Martinez said. “Some have no gloves. The radio mic doesn’t work and sometimes it says blank.”

Martinez said the city isn’t taking into account the cost of upkeep.

And the reason why the equipment isn’t up to date, according to the department, is due to the city budget.

Last year, the department had a $32,000 budget to work with; this year they have $22,000.

City officials said the budget is temporary. The fire department was recently awarded a grant for special training, but the city has to pay $9,000 to get it.

“I feel more comfortable providing the training in January, knowing that revenue will be there,” city manager Noe Cavazos said.

The fire department is currently receiving assistance from neighboring departments. Cavazos said the city will discuss other options for the department at the next city hall meeting.

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