This pumper truck is similar to one
the fire department is expected to purchase
After long months of fundraisers, grant writing and perseverance, the
Grantsville Volunteer Fire Department is going to get a new pumper truck.
The Department of Homeland Security has announced a $94,500 grant for the
purchase of a new pumper truck is being given to the department.
"The department will provide matching funds to make the purchase," said Fire
Chief Jim Yoak. "We'll start working on the specs right away."
Yoak says the credit should go to fire department members Judy Brannon and
Ed Tingler, in addition to Mariko Hewitt, who helped with the grant writing.
He said Brannon and Tingler have been on a mission, mostly using the internet,
to find funding sources for the new truck.
"Lots of hard work raising money by department members and the support of
community members has paid off," said Yoak. "We even got a donation from
actor Matthew Perry."
Yoak said the department raised money locally for the last two or more years
by having dinners, hot dog sales, raffles and other events.
"The department's old pumper trucks are over the limit, getting really old," he
said. Fire equipment must meet rating criteria, which directly affects
insurance rates in the service area.
Homeland Security announced 89 grants this week throughout the USA, the
fifth round of assistance to fire departments.
The grants are issued under the 2004 Assistance to Fire Departments Grant
Program.
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