LORENZO, Texas – Lorenzo Volunteer Fire Department accepted a $16,300 slip-on unit grant through the
Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program to help convert an excess military Stewart Stevenson. The
truck was awarded through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program (DoD FFP). Both
programs are administered by the Texas A&M Forest Service.
“This Stewart Stevenson is replacing an older truck that was having motor problems,” said Lorenzo VFD Fire
Chief Mark Majors. “The new addition’s main purpose will be for wildland firefighting since it has a slip-on unit
with a 500-gallon water tank and foam capability, but we could also use it for structure fires and rescue.”
The truck’s high-ground clearance will be an asset to the department.
“In May of 2019, Lorenzo and some of the surrounding areas experienced flash flooding that covered some of
the Farm to Market roads, leaving people stranded,” said Majors. “In one incident, two individuals had to be
rescued from the roof of their truck. Situations like that make this new addition of great value for assisting with
high water rescues.”
The truck will be equipped with wildland firefighting tools.
“The Stewart Stevenson is now completely converted, equipped with fire suppression equipment, and ready for
service thanks to the support of our community,” said Majors. “Our department appreciates community
participation in our fundraisers with the proceeds helping pay for the conversion. We also appreciate Texas
A&M Forest Service and their grant programs that keep volunteer fire departments functioning.”
Lorenzo VFD was established in 1928 and serves 1,700 residents in a 162-square-mile protection area.
Volunteer fire departments make up seventy percent of the Texas fire service. They are first responders helping
fellow citizens in times of need, directly impacting the people in their area, and making a real difference in the
community. Anyone wishing to volunteer with Lorenzo VFD may go by the department at 407 Harrison in
Lorenzo.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through various fire department
assistance programs. The Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program launched in Texas in 2005, is
one such program and has released over 800 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 USDA Forest Service oversees the program nationwide
and is the supplier of the excess military equipment to fire departments and emergency service providers. For
more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.