On Friday afternoon, in the midst of 20 degree weather, the department received 2 new apparatus. Purchased as part of a follow-on Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) grant for the regional collapse  rescue team, the 6-2009 Ford F-450 4X4 diesels with utility bodies and Will-Burt light towers are intended as prime movers for the trailers and specialized equipment assigned to the Stafford, Richmond and Rosenberg Fire Departments in Fort Bend County and the Baytown Fire Department in Harris County. Additonally a John Deer Gator 4X4 ATV for equipment movement at incident sites has been assigned to each county.

Following striping, the installation of a brush guard, running boards and hitch system, the vehicles assigned to the Stafford Fire Department will enter service as Squad 23 and Gator 23 respectively.

Appreciation is extended to Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery and Collapse Rescue Team Grant Coordinator James Pitts for their assistance with the aquisition of these vehicles to enhance the capabilities of the team for the entire region.