The Iowa Colony Fire Department recently took delivery of a 2021 Pierce Saber fire engine through a purchase made possible by Brazoria County Emergency Services District No. 3. (BCESD 3). The new engine, designated as Engine 2101, is a fully capable engine that will also see use as a tanker and for rescue situations.

“Brazoria County Emergency Services District No. 3 is proud to have been able to deliver Engine 2101 to Iowa Colony Fire Department and we know the new apparatus will be put to good use as Iowa Colony’s population continues to grow,” said Darrell Valusek, President of Brazoria County Emergency Services District No. 3.

Engine 2101 is capable of carrying five (5) firefighters including the driver/operator and should see a useful lifespan of approximately 20 years.

“This new engine has everything we need for now as Iowa Colony continues to see substantial population growth,” said Iowa Colony Fire Chief Steve Bynum.

Engine 2101 will join Iowa Colony’s current apparatus, Engine 2121.  Chief Bynum explained that the department chose to purchase an almost identical unit for standardization with regard to the pump panels and apparatus design to make it easier for Iowa Colony’s volunteers to learn and operate the two engines.

The purchase of Engine 2101 was made possible with funds in the amount of $325,000.00 from Brazoria County Emergency Services District No. 3 along with a grant in the amount of $225,000.00 from the Texas Forestry Service.

Engine 2101 will carry approximately $40,000 worth of lifesaving equipment when it is fully outfitted.  It is equipped with Whelen LED emergency lighting and a Federal Signal Q2 siren in addition to a regular siren and airhorn.

Engine 2101 is also equipped with a deck gun with a foam nozzle that allows firefighters to fight fires from a distance when conditions are not safe for firefighters to get close to a fire.  The engine carries 1,000 gallons of water and 25 gallons of foam and has a pump that is powerful enough to drain the water tank in two minutes.

Chief Bynum pointed out that using a combination of foam and water makes firefighting more efficient because the addition of foam to the water supply prevents the water from “running off” of the surface it is being applied to.

The Iowa Colony Fire Department covers an area south of Highway 6 to FM 1462 and from the Fort Bend County line to Manvel. The Department advances public safety through its fire prevention, investigation and education programs. The timely delivery of these services enables the ICVFD to make significant contributions to the safety of Iowa Colony and surrounding areas.