SAN ANGELO, Texas Pecan Creek Volunteer Fire Department converted an excess Stewart
Stephenson, 2.5 ton military truck into a firefighting machine by adding a slip-on unit. The truck was
awarded through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program and the slip-on unit grant
was through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program administered by Texas
A&M Forest Service.
“This truck will not have any problems getting into the rural areas where the lack of a water supply to
fight fires can be an issue,” said Fire Chief Dusty Thompson. “This rugged truck can carry 500 gallons
of water and also draft from the lake if needed. It will be one of the first to roll when we get a call for
structure, car, or grass fires.”
The slip-on unit is also equipped with a foam system that is used for fire suppression. It cools the fire
and coats the fuel, preventing contact with oxygen. The firefighter spreads a blanket of foam on the
area involved, smothering the fire and decreasing the possibility of it reigniting.
“This truck is replacing an older one that we used for high water rescues in Houston after Hurricane.
Harvey,” said Thompson. “It is rugged enough to fill that role, should the need arise.”
Department members received training on the new addition that is now in service.
“Our department is very grateful to Texas A&M Forest Service for the equipment and training grants
that are offered to volunteer fire departments,” said Thompson. “The grants make up-to-date
equipment possible for VFDs, and the training is essential for the safety of firefighters in the field.”
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 600 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.