June 28, 2017 Shelbyville - Huxley Volunteer Fire Department received a $20,000 cost share grant through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program and a military truck that was obtained through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program (DoD FFP). Both of the programs are administered through Texas A&M Forest Service.
The DoD FFP program has released over 500 retired military trucks to volunteer fire departments across the state. Texas A&M Forest Service transports the vehicle from a military installation, performs necessary repairs and delivers it to the volunteer fire department at no cost to them.
The grant funding was used to purchase a slip-on unit that helped transform the Stewart Stevenson 5-ton vehicle into a firefighting machine.
“This truck will assist the fire department with any type of fire that may be encountered,” said Huxley VFD Fire Captain Gerald Huddleston. “It has 1,000-gallon water tank and will be utilized as a tanker to draw and carry water.”
The department will be able to pull water from the Toledo Bend Reservoir or any water source that is available, giving the firefighters the necessary water supply to knock down the fire.
“The 6-wheel drive and height of the truck makes it very versatile,” said Huddleston. “We are surrounded by natural forests, and pastures. The tanker can be used to clear fallen trees from roads after a storm, high water rescues and has the capability to go cross plowed fields and rough grasslands.”
According to Huddleston the department is very thankful to Texas A&M Forest Service for providing the truck and slip-on. It will be beneficial in increasing the capacity of the department and help protect life and property in their community and surrounding area.
Huxley VFD has been serving Shelby County since 1976 and are always looking for avenues to improve the department through training and updated equipment.
Fire Chief Curtis Cooper commands Huxley VFD where he and 20 other volunteers respond to fires and other emergencies in their 139-square-mile protection area. The department also gives mutual aid when called on.
Texas A&M Forest Service is committed to protecting lives and property through its various fire department assistance programs. For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.
