BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
The Marlin Volunteer Fire Department was recently called out to what became the 96-acre Rice Road Fire. Its new military truck acquired from Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services was instrumental in helping the department fight a six-hour battle alongside other area fire departments and Texas A&M Forest Service.
“The Stewart Stevenson did very well in helping to knock down the fire at a time when low humidity and windy conditions were against us,” Marlin VFD Assistant Fire Chief Mike Bethke said of the truck from DLA. “We were very pleased to have this rugged truck with its new slip-on unit that can carry a large volume of water.”
The excess military Stewart Stevenson was attained through DOD’s Firefighter Property Program. A partnership between DLA Disposition Services and the U.S. Forest Service places used military equipment into the hands of fire departments.
Fire Chief James Adams painted the truck a non-military color and Assistant Fire Chief Bethke detailed it out with the departmental logo, fulfilling their obligation to repaint it.
“This converted military truck will be a great asset to Marlin VFD, helping to increase their firefighting capabilities and giving them a new advantage when responding to wildland fires,” said Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Fire Coordinator Matthew Schlaefer.