Feb. 25, 2016 — Savoy, Texas — Savoy Volunteer Fire Department recently received a 5-ton 1991 BMY military
cargo truck and transformed it into a firefighting vehicle.
The truck was made possible through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program administered by
Texas A&M Forest Service.
One of the stipulations for receiving a DoD truck is to paint it a nonmilitary color.
“Part of the conversion process for this military vehicle was painting it. We painted it red then added a water tank,
pump and emergency lights,” said Savoy Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief Billy Burks.
The department plans to use the truck when fighting wildland and grass fires.
“This truck is taking the place of an older vehicle that did not run as well,” said Burks. “This newly converted
truck holds more water, has a more efficient pump, and has power steering that will be beneficial on rough
terrain.”
The DoD Firefighter Property Program, overseen by the U.S.D.A Forest Service provides excess military
equipment to fire departments and emergency service providers. Launched in Texas in 2005, this program has
released over 400 retired military trucks to VFDs across the state to help them better protect lives and property.
Texas A&M Forest Service picks up the vehicle from a military installation, performs necessary repairs, and
delivers it to the volunteer fire department at no cost to them.
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.