April 19, 2017 — GROESBECK, Texas — Groesbeck Volunteer Fire Department received a $20,000 grant
through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and a surplus military vehicle through the
Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program, overseen by the USDA Forest Service, both programs are
administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
Launched in Texas in 2005, the DoD FFP program has released over 400 retired military trucks to VFDs across
the state to help them better protect lives and property. 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 grant provided the department funding for a slip-on unit, which gave the 2.5-ton Stewart Stevenson a new
life as a multipurpose firefighting machine.
A slip-on unit is an apparatus built to meet the demands of the fire service and easily mounted in the back of a
pickup or a custom built platform and is especially effective in fighting wildland fires, off-road grass fires, car
fires and many others.
custom-built“The military vehicle will give our department a truck that can be dual-functional,” said Groesbeck VFD
Firefighter Brandon McCoy. “We will use it as a brush truck for wildland fires, high-water or medical rescues, and structure fires. It is a lighter truck that will be able to get into rural areas where we might be concerned
about getting bogged down when using our other truck.”
The department painted the truck a non-military color, added the slip-on unit, a safety cage behind the cab,
lights and a siren.
The VFD has been serving their community since 1891. The department’s 25 volunteers are committed to being
the first line of defense for the 232 square mile protection area, plus respond to mutual aid calls when needed.
Anyone who would like to apply as a volunteer may do so by coming by the fire department at 402 Navasota
Street and pick up an application.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through its various fire department
assistance programs. For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit
http://texasfd.com.