Lake Mexia Volunteer Fire Department converted an excess military vehicle and added a slip-on unit to create a truck that will meet the challenges of wildland firefighting. The military truck was acquired through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program (DoD FFP), and a $20,000 grant for the slip-on unit is through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, funded by the Texas State Legislature. Both programs are administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Grass fires were not always easy to get to with the department’s current trucks, but the new brush truck can get into tough areas and has the capacity for a quickfire knockdown,” said Lake Mexia VFD Deputy Chief Tammie Parrish. “The ruggedness and height of the truck makes is useful not only for fighting grass fires but high-water rescues and traffic control.”
The department did all the work to make the conversion of the truck from a military vehicle to a brush truck. When planning the conversion, they considered the hazards of traffic control when responding to automobile accidents. The body of the truck was painted lime green, making it more noticeable to oncoming traffic.
Lake Mexia VFD has been serving their community of 1,150 since 1994. Their 14 volunteers are committed to serving and protecting their service area as well as mutual aid with surrounding departments. Anyone wanting to volunteer and dedicate time for training and service may pick up an application at one of the department meetings held the first and third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the fire station, 291 LCR 377 in Mexia.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, a cost-share program funded by the Texas State Legislature and administered by Texas A&M Forest Service. This program provides funding to rural Volunteer Fire Departments for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry hydrants, computer systems and firefighter training.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.