BRIDGEPORT, Texas — Boonsville-Balsora Volunteer Fire Department converted a 2.5-ton Stewart
Stevenson 4×4 excess military truck into a heavy-duty firefighting apparatus.
“This truck has allowed us to retire an older truck that was less reliable,” said Fire Chief Andrew Wood. “It has
a number of upgrades that will help increase our capacity when fighting wildland fires.”
According to Wood, the truck has a 400-gallon water tank, foam capability, front water monitor, and bumper
sweeps, all contributing to a quick knockdown of a fire.
“Our service area is pretty rura,l and we usually have a lot of grass fires,” said Wood. “This truck will be able to
easily get into rough terrain during fire season.”
The truck was awarded through the Department of Defense Property Program (DoD FFP) at no cost to the VFD
and a $20,000 grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program helped purchase the slip
on unit, both programs are administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
The stipulations for receiving a DoD FFP truck is that it is painted a nonmilitary color and made service-ready.
The brush truck went into service after specific training and in-service on the truck’s mechanisms.
Boonsville-Balsora VFD has been serving their community and surrounding area since 1968, thanks to
volunteers and community support.
“We appreciate community support of our annual fundraiser that helps meet departmental needs,” said Wood.
“The event we call ‘Boonstock’ will be in May of this year, and we look forward to everyone coming out.”
The VFD has open enrollment for anyone wanting to volunteer. An application can be picked up any second
Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the fire station located at 280 CR3743, Bridgeport.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through the Rural Volunteer Fire
Department Assistance Program, a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature and administered by
Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural Volunteer Fire Departments for the
acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry hydrants, computer
systems and firefighter training.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.