Galveston County Emergency Services District (ESD) #2 officially announced the acquisition of a state-of-the-art brush truck for the High Island Volunteer Fire Department, marking a significant upgrade to the coastal community’s firefighting capabilities.
The new unit, a 2025 Ford F-550, was custom-built by Dagger Quick Strike—a specialized manufacturer located locally in La Marque, Texas. With a purchase price of $240,000, the vehicle represents a major investment in the safety and infrastructure of the Bolivar Peninsula.
[Pictured above, L to R: District Manager Doug Saunders with GC ESD#2 Directors Tim Byrom, Kate Newberry, Amee LeBlanc, and Greg Fountain]
Cutting-Edge Capabilities for Coastal Terrain
Designed for rapid response and versatility, the new truck is engineered to handle the geographical challenges of the High Island area. Key specifications include:
- Water Capacity: A 400-gallon onboard water tank.
- Pump Performance: A high-efficiency pump capable of delivering 125 gallons per minute.
- Off-Road Mastery: The 4WD chassis allows crews to access remote marshlands, dunes, and the beach—areas where traditional, heavier structural engines often struggle.
The vehicle is specifically optimized for “quick strike” operations, allowing firefighters to easily deploy against fast-moving brush fires and out-of-control trash fires before they can threaten residential structures.
Out with the Old, In with the New
This 2025 model replaces a 20-year-old brush truck that has reached the end of its reliable service life. By retiring the aging unit, the department ensures lower maintenance costs, while providing volunteers with the modern safety features found in the latest Ford chassis.
A Commitment to Bolivar Peninsula
The purchase is part of a broader strategic initiative by ESD #2 to support the three volunteer fire departments serving the Bolivar Peninsula (High Island, Crystal Beach, and Port Bolivar).
“We are committed to ensuring our volunteer firefighters have the best tools available to protect our residents and visitors,” stated District Manager Doug Saunders.
The investment doesn’t stop in High Island. ESD #2 has confirmed plans to purchase another brush truck within this current budget year, which will be allocated to the Crystal Beach Volunteer Fire Department to further bolster the peninsula’s defensive line against wildfires and coastal emergencies.
