ALBANY, Texas –– Shackelford County Rural Fire Department received a retired military vehicle at no cost
through Texas A&M Forest Service as part of the DoD Firefighter Property Program.
“We had a ‘68 model truck that was in need of an upgrade,” Fire Chief Brad Henry said. “It had engine trouble
and the front end was worn out. The cost of repairs were beginning to outweigh the benefit.”
Recipients of this excess property are required to convert the vehicle into a service-ready unit within 180 days of
acquisition.
“To get the military vehicle converted into a firefighting one for our department, we had to build a bumper for it,
remove the bed from the old truck and affix it to the new one, and paint it nonmilitary colors,” Henry said.
According to Henry, while the new truck is able to cross rough terrain and service various types of fires similarly to the
old one, the reliability of the new truck is of notable value.
“Serving 980 miles and 3,000 people, we need a truck that can be ready at any moment,” Henry said. “Having a truck
whose engine wanted to give out just wasn’t an option.”
“Shackelford VFD is located in an area of Texas that has a lot of rough terrain. This truck will help build their capacity to
better serve not only their community but in mutual aid with the other surrounding departments” said Charles Tice,
Regional Fire Coordinator, Texas A&M Forest Service.
The DoD Firefighter Property Program, a program managed nationwide by the USDA Forest Service, 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.
“This program is the greatest thing that has ever happened to VFDs in need,” Henry said. “Giving the title of the vehicle
to the departments makes it unique.”
To learn more about this program, visit http://texasfd.com.