April 14, 2016 — CLAUDE, Texas — Weighing in at more than 22,000 pounds and standing over 9-feet-tall,
the newest member of the Claude Volunteer Fire Department is poised to do its part in the war on fire.
A veteran in its own right, the 1990 BMY M923A2 military cargo truck was awarded to the Claude VFD
through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program, which is administered by Texas A&M Forest
Service.
Chief Chris Bowles of the Claude Volunteer Fire Department is proud to have a capable truck in the fleet. “It is
a replacement for a two-and-a-half-ton truck that was overweight for its size when carrying water. This vehicle
carries water well and has the ability to travel the rough terrain and canyons that we have.”
The terrain Bowles speaks of spans over 700 miles of Armstrong County, including farm- and ranchland, and
Palo Duro Canyon.
The truck is outfitted with leaf springs and a central tire inflation system- which provides control over the air
pressure in each tire, allowing for reduced environmental impact and improved performance over different
surfaces.
The Department of Defense Firefighter Property Programs provides excess military equipment to fire
departments and emergency service providers. Launched in Texas in 2005, this program has released over 400
retired military trucks valued at more than $37 million to volunteer fire departments across the state to help
them better protect lives and property.
Although the program is at no cost to the fire departments, recipients of the property are required to convert the
vehicle into a service-ready unit within 180 days of acquisition at their own expense. Fundraising and donations
are important to helping the departments meet this timeline.
For more information on this and other fire department assistance programs offered by Texas A&M Forest
Service, visit http://texasfd.com.