BRECKENRIDGE, Texas Wayland Volunteer Fire Department increased their fleet with a converted military vehicle. It is automatic and six-wheel drive. It will carry 1,000 gallons of water in a self-supporting tank.
“This truck is replacing a 1988 GMC that was two-wheel-drive with a standard transmission,” said Wayland VFD Volunteer Brian Rogers. “It will not only be used as a large brush truck but also as a tactical tender.”
The department received the 2011 military vehicle through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program (DOD-FFP) and accepted a 100 percent grant for a slip-on unit through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, both programs are administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“It is a huge upgrade for our small fire department, and we appreciate having the opportunity to receive the truck and a $20,000 grant for the slip-on unit,” said Rogers. “Members of Wayland VFD built everything themselves so the grant could be maximized to its fullest potential.”
The Wayland Volunteer Fire Department has been serving the community since 2008. Fire Chief Jimmy Mathias and 23 dedicated volunteers protect a 140-square-mile service area.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through various fire department assistance programs. The Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program launched in Texas, in 2005, is one such program and has released over 600 retired military trucks to Volunteer Fire Departments across the state. The Agency transports the vehicle from a military installation, performs necessary repairs, and delivers it to the volunteer fire department at no cost to them. The USDA Forest Service oversees the program nationwide and is the supplier of the excess military equipment to fire departments and emergency service providers.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.