ABBOTT, Texas — The Abbott Volunteer Fire Department of Hill County received a $20,000 grant through the Texas A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to install a slip-on unit on a surplus military vehicle, that was provided through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program.
This truck is one of hundreds that have been transferred at no cost to Texas volunteer fire departments. The truck is required to be painted non-military colors, and underwent extensive changes, including the addition of a 600-gallon water tank.
The truck will be used to replace an older brush truck, allowing the department to respond with a larger water source and updated equipment.
The department would like to thank the Texas A&M Forest Service. “Without your assistance to the volunteer fire departments, we wouldn’t have what we need to be safe,” said Doreen Strickland, Abbott VFD Fire Chief.
The Abbott VFD is recruiting new members. Interested individuals can call (254) 582-3991 for information.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through various fire department assistance programs and has released hundreds of 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 Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by the Texas Legislature and provides cost-share 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, visit http://texasfd.com.