April 3, 2017 — Lorenzo, Texas — Lorenzo Volunteer Fire Department received an excess military vehicle
from the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program and a $20,000 grant for a slip-on unit through the
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program, both programs are administered through Texas A&M
Forest Service.
Lorenzo VFD volunteers converted a Stewart Stevenson cargo truck into a firefighting apparatus by painting it a
non-military color and adding side rails. The slip-on unit with foam capability finishes off the conversion,
making it a service-ready firefighting machine.
“We only had one grass rig, so this truck will be among our first out when fighting grass fires,” said Lorenzo
VFD Fire Chief Jason Robb. “The truck is rugged and can handle any rough terrain. It will be able to go where
other vehicles can’t go, so whether we are responding to a fire in our rural areas or mutual aid, it will be able to
get to the fire. The addition of the slip-on unit with the foam system will be a great benefit because the foam
helps to smother the fire and keeps it from rekindling which means we are less likely to get a call-back for the
fire starting up again.”
A slip-on unit is a complete self-contained firefighting system designed for a pickup truck or custom-built
vehicle platform. It is used to enhance wildland and structure firefighting by coating the fuel and suppressing
the flame.
The Lorenzo VFD was established in 1929, and their current volunteers are committed to protecting the 192
square miles of their protection area. They are always looking for new avenues to serve their community and
save lives and property.
“Not only do we serve the people of our town, but there are a lot of rural areas that will benefit from our
department having greater capability to fight grass fires,” said Robb.
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.