Texas volunteer fire department gets wildfire truck from grant

The state grant program provided a retired military wildland firefighting vehicle that replace a 1960's-era truck

YourGlenRoseTX.com

GLEN ROSE, Texas — Somervell County Fire Department's fleet is growing. The latest addition, a 1994 Stewart Stevenson brush truck valued at almost $100,000, is one of several grants awarded to the fire department since the fiscal year began Oct. 1, 2013.

County Auditor Brian Watts said the truck, which is currently being modified to support firefighting efforts, was a gift from Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS). Watts said the brush truck came at no cost to the county, but there are certain requirements. TFS made the donation under the contingency that the county would cover the cost to have the truck properly outfitted for brush fire response.

Fire Chief Mark Crawford said the state program delivers retired military vehicles to volunteer fire departments. “The state is giving us the opportunity to enhance our response efforts at only a fraction of the cost,” Crawford said, adding the existing fleet includes a 1960s model brush truck and the newer model has about 3,600 miles.

Full story: Grants boost SCFD response efforts