The City of Milano Volunteer Fire Department acquired an excess military vehicle through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program (DOD FFP). The department also accepted a $20,000 grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to help purchase a new slip-on unit; both programs are administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“The rural area was where our challenges were,” said Adam Dodd, a firefighter for the City of Milano VFD. “This excess military truck will be a great benefit in helping to protect our rural area because it is rugged and can easily get into tough places while carrying 500 gallons of water plus foam.”
Firefighting foam is used for fire suppression. It cools the fire and coats the fuel, preventing contact with oxygen. The firefighter spreads a blanket of foam on the area involved, smothering the fire and decreasing the possibility of it reigniting.
“This foam unit is a first for us,” said Dodd. “It will be beneficial in helping us to extinguish a fire faster.” The City of Milano Volunteer Fire Department has served their rural community since 1986. Adding an apparatus that is capable of getting into difficult areas to fight grass and farm-related fires will help increase firefighting power.
“The department members spent over 500 man-hours converting the truck after a local business painted it a nonmilitary color,” said Dodd. “We installed the plumbing, wiring, and mounted the equipment.” The stipulations for receiving an excess military vehicle are that it is painted a nonmilitary color and made service ready.
The Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program launched in Texas in 2005 has released over 600 retired military trucks to volunteer fire departments across the state. Texas A&M Forest Service transports the vehicle from a military installation, performs necessary repairs, and delivers it to the volunteer fire department at no cost to them. The partnership with the USDA Forest Service, which also sponsors the program, helps fulfill the agencies long standing commitment to protecting lives and property throughout the state of Texas.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.