GRANTSVILLE VFD GETS $94,500 GRANT FOR NEW TRUCK - Fundraising Efforts, Community Support Pays Off

(07/03/2004)

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.