Minerva VFD increases fleet capacity with new truck

Minerva Volunteer Fire Department increased their fleet capacity by adding an excess military truck and slip-on unit. The truck is provided through the Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program and the slip-on unit through the Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program. 

“This new addition will increase our wildland firefighting power and our ability for high water rescues,” said Minerva VFD Fire Chief Ernie Glenn. 

One of the stipulations for receiving the truck is that it be painted a nonmilitary color.

“Our department members spent a lot of hours painting the truck and making it service ready,” said Glenn.

The truck will carry a cache of wildland firefighting equipment and water rescue devices.

“This military truck gives the Minerva VFD firefighters a versatile apparatus to help respond to the wide range of emergencies in the area,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Matthew Schlaefer. “It will help increase their capacity to save life and property.”

Minerva Volunteer Fire Department has been serving their area since 1974 and appreciates being able to add a new firefighting apparatus to their fleet. 

“The cost of the truck conversion was met through donations from our community, Chad Harris, Drake McLean, County Judge Steve Young, and Milam County,” said Glenn. “We greatly appreciate all of the support and for Texas A&M Forest Service having the grant programs available to volunteer fire departments.” 

Minerva VFD has open enrollment for volunteers who live within 10 miles of the fire station. To apply call (512) 365-0075.

The Department of Defense Firefighter Property Program was launched in Texas in 2005 as a program to help increase the capacity of Texas volunteer fire departments. The Texas A&M Forest Service excess military equipment program is sponsored by the USDA Forest Service which also oversees the national program. The Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program funded by Texas State Legislature currently provides 100 percent funding up to $20,000 for the acquisition of slip-on units that are to be installed onto excess military vehicles helping in their conversion into firefighting apparatus. For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.

For more information on programs offered by Texas A&M Forest Service, please visit http://texasfd.com.