CROSBYTON, Texas – Apple Springs Volunteer Fire Department accepted a military vehicle from Texas
A&M Forest Service’s DoD Firefighter Property Program. The vehicle is a versatile piece of equipment and
will increase their capabilities to protect life and property in their community.
“This converted military truck will add another aspect to our rescue program as a high water rescue vehicle,”
said Apple Springs Fire Department President Gary Mathison. “It will easily be able to go through 2 – 3 feet of
water.”
When a fire department is the recipient of a federal government vehicle, they must meet certain obligations
within the first 180 days of acquisition. The vehicle must be painted a non-military color and be converted into
an emergency response vehicle able to perform an emergency response function.
“We did some miscellaneous mechanical work and routine maintenance and also added a 3,000-gallon skid unit
that came off our old brush truck and will be adding emergency lighting,” said Mathison.
Military vehicles can be configured for service according to the needs of the fire department.
“We will use this truck as a medical rescue unit as well as a firefighting machine,” said Mathison. “Most of our
residents live on dirt roads, and during inclement weather, an ambulance cannot travel those roads for emergency
response. We will pick up the patient and carry them to the awaiting ambulance, where they will be transported
to a medical facility.”
Volunteer firefighters operate 85 percent of the fire departments in Texas. This year, TFS will pass
approximately $24.3 million along to VFDs across the state. The grants aid them in purchasing equipment and
obtaining vital firefighter training, giving them greater capabilities to protect life and property in their
communities.
Apple Springs VFD has been serving their community and surrounding area since 1972. Their current roster has
22 volunteers but they are always looking for dedicated individuals who are willing and ready to train in
firefighting techniques.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.