RALLS, Texas ––The DoD Firefighter Property Program administered by Texas A&M Forest Service
released an excess military truck to Ralls VFD for use in fire suppression.
“We were extremely short-handed on trucks,” Fire Chief Billy Tidwell said. “This 5-ton truck will work well on
the terrain in our service district. It will give us more water capabilities and overall allow us to provide better
protection for our area.”
Recipients of this excess military property are required to convert the vehicle into a service-ready unit within
180 days of acquisition.
“We painted it, added emergency lighting, and put in a 1,600-gallon water tank along with a three inch water
pump,” Tidwell said. “The truck is capable of drafting and pumping, and we can use it as an engine if need be.
It also has two booster lines.”
A decal was placed on the side of the truck to honor a beloved member of the community that recently
passed.
“The pink and red decal on the side of the truck is for a very young girl that passed away unexpectedly,”
Tidwell said. “She was very loved by our VFD and by our community.”
The DoD Firefighter Property Program provides excess military equipment to fire departments and
emergency service providers. Since its founding in 2005, this program has released over 300 retired military
trucks to VFDs across the state to help them better protect lives and property.
“Most of the equipment that VFDs operate with is really old,” Regional Fire Coordinator Cody Holloway said.
“They rely heavily on grants and programs like FFP to help increase their capabilities to respond to fires in
their community.”
The converted military truck will be used to serve the VFDs 350 square mile service district, as well as provide
mutual aid to about 8,000 additional square miles.
“This is a vital program for volunteer fire departments,” Tidwell said. “Most departments could not fight
wildfires without it. It is crucial to adequately and efficiently serve our communities.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.