Jun 6, 2010 6:53 pm US/Eastern

 AA Co. Fire Company Gets Grant For New Truck Reporting

Gigi Barnett

FERNDALE, Md. (WJZ) One Anne Arundel County fire company wants a new set of wheels with airbags included. As Gigi Barnett explains, the Department of Homeland Security is cutting a large check to purchase a new fire truck.

"The air conditioning is still broken," said Ferndale Volunteer Fire Chief Jay Olson.

Olson wants an upgrade.

"If you walk around the unit, every compartment is full up with equipment we use," Olson said.

The company's heavy rescue truck is 20-years-old. It was bought used, has more than 100,000 miles on it and makes at least 300 rescues every year. Olson says it's time for a new one.

"We need more space. Every year, there's something additional you need to carry for any kind of rescue you might run across," Olson said.

But now, after five years of fundraisers like Bingo Night and youth dances, Ferndale firefighters have the money they need. Last week, the Department of Homeland Security awarded the company a $300,000 grant, enough to make the purchase.

"When you're looking at borrowing over $300,000 and then getting $300,000 from FEMA and Homeland Security, it's a godsend," Olson said.

In the new truck, maps are out because it has a GPS. Air conditioning will replace a broken fan. The company will still use some of the money it raised, and neighbors who gave are looking forward to the new addition.

"It's a pleasure giving 'cause that's our area, and this is our neighborhood," said Paul Mello. "It's worth giving."

These fire trucks are customized. You can't just go to a lot and pick one up. While the new one isn't yet on order, the fire department says it should arrive at the beginning of next year.

Since 2001, the Department of Homeland Security has awarded more than $7 million in grants to fire departments in Anne Arundel County.

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