WASHINGTON CO. VFD’S CONVERT MILITARY TRUCKS FOR FIREFIGHTING, RESCUE
Several Washington County volunteer fire departments are making substantial additions to their fleets.
(courtesy Texas A&M Forest Service Communications)
The Berlin, Burton, and Prairie Hill volunteer fire departments have each converted 2.5 ton military Stewart Stevenson trucks into firefighting apparatuses. The departments received the excess military vehicles, which were made in Sealy, through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program, administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
Burton Volunteer Fire Chief Ronnie Stanley said local fire departments are able to benefit greatly from the rugged nature of the trucks, whether using them for firefighting or water rescue.
(courtesy Prairie Hill Volunteer Fire Dept.)
Prairie Hill Volunteer Deputy Chief Doug Zwiener said in addition to their versatility, the trucks are also a very cost-effective option for the fire departments and the county.
Berlin Volunteer Fire Chief Mike McAnally said with vehicles like these, training is necessary for firefighters in order to properly operate them.
The Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program launched in 2005 and has released over 800 retired military trucks to volunteer fire departments across the state. The Texas A&M Forest Service transports the vehicles from a military installation, performs necessary repairs and delivers it to departments at no cost to them.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service oversees the program nationwide and is the supplier of the excess military equipment to fire departments and emergency service providers.