PAMPA, Texas — Hoover Volunteer Fire Department converted a military tractor truck into a firefighting apparatus,
giving the department a new capability for fighting fires.
“March is typically a busy month when it comes to wildland fires,” said Hoover VFD Fire Chief Trent Price. “This
time of year we average two to three calls a day, with the contributing factor being the low humidity and high winds
that average 30 to 40 mph with 50 mph gusts. The high winds drive the flames, causing even greater challenges.
Another factor is that our area has changed to be less of a farming community, leaving grass to flourish, creating a fire
problem that this large brush truck will help us resolve.”
The excess military vehicle was awarded through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program (DOD
FFP). The department also accepted a $20,000 grant from the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to
purchase a slip-on unit that was installed onto the back of the truck. This program currently provides funding to rural
volunteer fire departments for the acquisition of slip-on units for military vehicles, helping in their conversion into
firefighting apparatus. Both programs are administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
The converted military truck will be able to go into challenging areas, even when carrying 1,000 gallons of water.
“We appreciate having the 5-ton truck and also for the grant for the slip-on unit,” said Price. “Last week, we were
really glad to have it available when we were fighting a fire in a riverbed and had to maneuver in sand.”
The slip-on unit with the larger water tank gives the department the option of fighting a fire longer without having to
return to a water source to replenish the water.
“This truck will help prolong our time on the fire line and also has the capability to draw water from a pond instead of
having to travel to our usual water source,” said Price.
The department will use the truck for wildland fires and winter rescue during times of snow.
The truck has gone into service and has been very helpful in knocking down several large grass fires.
Hoover VFD has been serving the community since 1992. The department has open enrollment and is always
looking for dedicated individuals who would like to give back to the community by serving as a volunteer. Fire Chief
Price invites anyone interested in joining to check out their Facebook page @HooverVFD or call Chief Price at
(806) 898-3652.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through fire department assistance
programs. The Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program launched in Texas in 2005, is one such program
and has released over 500 retired military trucks to volunteer fire departments across the state. The agency transports
the vehicle from a military installation, performs necessary repairs, and delivers it to the volunteer fire department at
no cost to them. The Texas A&M Forest Service excess military equipment program is sponsored by the USDA
Forest Service, which also oversees the national program.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.