BRECKENRIDGE, Texas — Hubbard Creek Volunteer Fire Department received a $20,000 grant from the Texas
A&M Forest Service Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.
The department used the funds to add a slip-on unit with a 500-gallon water tank and foam capability to a converted
excess military vehicle, giving the truck new life as a firefighting machine. The 2.5-ton cargo truck was attained
through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program.
This program is overseen by the USDA Forest Service and provides excess military equipment to fire departments
and emergency service providers. Launched in Texas in 2005, it has released over 500 retired military trucks to
Volunteer Fire Departments 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.
“We are really proud to have this slip-on unit to go with our military truck,” said Hubbard Creek VFD Fire Chief
Danny Stueart. “Its primary use will be for fast initial attack of wildland fires. This is important since a large portion
of our response area is rural, and having an adequate water supply can be an issue.”
Hubbard Creek VFD has a 140-square-mile protection area where a large portion of the terrain is rough, rocky or
pasture land.
“Having the capability to maneuver rough terrain and carry 500 gallons of water to a grass fire will help with faster
containment of the fire,” said Stueart. “The unit is also capable of drawing water from a pond when it becomes
necessary.”
According to Stueart, the grassland is starting to dry out, and their protection area has already had several wildland
fires. This unit will give them the advantage they need to protect their community and rural areas.
The department has open enrollment to new committed volunteers who would like to give back to their community.
An application may be picked up at the fire department located at 4338 County Road 201.
Hubbard Creek appreciates Texas A&M Forest Service having the grant programs available to volunteer fire
departments and appreciates the support of their community, since their sole support comes from fund raising.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through various fire department assistance
programs. For more information on programs offered, please visit http://texasfd.com.