PONTOTOC, Texas – Pontotoc Volunteer Fire Department increased their fleet capacity by transforming a
2003 Stewart Stevenson truck tractor, awarded through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property
Program. The conversion of the excess military truck was completed thanks to a Rural Fire Department
Assistance Program grant, both administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Our department members volunteered their time and skills to outfit the truck that will be used to fight brush
fires, structure fires, and to respond to critical incidents in our area,” said Pontotoc VFD Fire Chief Jody
Webster.
The truck has a custom 800-gallon poly water tank.
“We are a very small volunteer fire department with a large coverage area, so the support from Texas A&M
Forest Service and the community is greatly appreciated,” said Webster.
Pontotoc Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their community since 1979.
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 700 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.