CALLISBURG, Texas — Callisburg Volunteer Fire Department recently completed a service-ready unit as
part of the Department of Defense Firefighting Property Program. The conversion included paint, a 350 GPM
pump, a 1200-gallon tank, a hose reel, lights, and safety rails.
“Because of the way we equipped this vehicle, we can use it for wildland or structural fires, motor vehicle
accidents and medical calls,” Callisburg VFD Fire Chief Tiller said.
The truck is a 5-ton, diesel-powered cargo truck that has been in continuous production since the 1970s. It sits high
off the ground, which makes it ideal for high-water rescue.
“During the recent flooding in our area, we used the truck for high water rescues and for fire incidents,” said
Tiller. “It had the capability to get through the water to fight fires that no other vehicle could get to.”
The DoD Firefighter Property Program provides excess military equipment to fire departments and emergency
service providers. Launched in Texas in 2005, this program has released over 300 retired military trucks to
VFDs across the state to help them better protect lives and property. The USDA Forest Service oversees the
program, and Texas A&M Forest Service directs it.
“The truck grant programs offered by TFS are a great asset to VFDs, but the equipment and training grants are
important as well,” said Tiller. “The training grants prepare the firefighters to respond in a safe manner, and the
equipment grants give them the proper tools for firefighting.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.