RAVENNA, Texas –– Ravenna Volunteer Fire Department recently upgraded from an old fire engine to a
converted military truck with help from Texas A&M Forest Service and the DoD Firefighter Property Program.
The program is managed nationally by the USDA Forest Service and implemented here in Texas by TFS.
“We needed to expand our department so we could be better equipped to fight wildfires and protect our
community,” Fire Chief Kenny Sewell said. “This newly converted truck is a big addition to our department and
community.”
Recipients of this excess property are required to convert the vehicle into a service-ready unit within 180 days of
acquisition.
“Our volunteers, along with people in our community, came together and donated their time to convert the truck,”
Sewell said. “The unit was painted, we added the 1,500-gallon tank and pump from the old truck, added a radio
and purchased another light bar.”
The new truck will bring better safety and efficiency to the department.
“It has four-wheel drive and power steering, making it more maneuverable and safer,” Sewell said. “Only three or
four volunteers in the department knew how to drive the old truck, but anyone can drive this one.”
The DoD Firefighter Property Program provides excess military equipment to fire departments and emergency
service providers. Launched in Texas in 2005, this program has released over 300 retired military trucks to VFDs
across the state to help them better protect lives and property.
“TFS keeps small VFDs going,” Sewell said. “We are a nonprofit organization, and we function on a few donations
and an annual fundraiser. I don’t think some departments would be in place right now without the help of these
programs.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.