REKLAW, Texas — The Reklaw Volunteer Fire Department in Cherokee County received a surplus
military truck through the Texas A&M Forest Service Department of Defense Firefighter Property
Program. The department also received a $20,000 grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department
Assistance Program to install a firefighting unit on the truck.
The truck, a Stewart and Stevenson M1078, will be used for wildland firefighting and high-water
rescues. It is equipped with a 500-gallon water tank and a 10-gallon foam unit. The truck was painted a
nonmilitary color, per the requirements of the program.
Assistant Chief Paul Patterson said the truck’s high clearance allows access to places that the
department’s other vehicles have trouble reaching.
“It gives us some options that we didn’t have before,” Patterson said. “It’s a real asset for the
department.”
The department is always looking for new members. Anyone interested is encouraged to leave a
message at the station by calling (936) 369-9917.
As a member agency of the Texas A&M University System, Texas A&M Forest Service administers
both the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and the Department of Defense
Firefighter Property Program. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program is funded by
the Texas Legislature and provides cost-share funding to rural volunteer fire departments for the
acquisition of firefighting vehicles, fire and rescue equipment, protective clothing, dry hydrants,
computer systems and firefighter training.
For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, visit http://texasfd.com.