BISHOP, Texas – Nueces County ESD #3 converted an excess military truck thanks to the Department of Defense
Firefighter Property Program and a grant for a slip-on unit through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program, both administered by Texas A&M Forest Service.
“Our department did all of the work to complete the conversion of this truck,” said Nueces County ESD #3 Fire
Chief John Davis. “One of the stipulations was that it had to be painted a nonmilitary color, so we painted it and
did all of the welding to get it service-ready.”
The Stewart Stevenson now has a 1,000-gallon water tank and a 10-gallon foam system, making the
multipurpose truck useful in wildland interface firefighting, high water rescues, and as a tanker to transport
water.
“We configured the slip-on unit in a T-shape to accommodate individuals during high-water rescues,” said
Davis. “The department responds to a variety of calls, so we are glad to have the option to add this rugged truck
to our fleet.”
Nueces County ESD #3 has been serving their community since 1980 and has open enrollment for volunteers.
“We encourage any dedicated, energetic individual who wants to give back to their community to apply,” said
Davis. “If interested, come to any Monday night meeting at our fire station located at 205 South Pacific in
Bishop at 7 p.m.
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 700 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.