Unadilla Fire Department Awarded Grant for New Brush TruckUnadilla Fire Department Awarded Grant for New Brush Truck

6/26/14 - The Unadilla Township Fire Department is getting a new brush truck made possible through a federal grant that will not only replace a vintage one but add an additional layer of safety for first responders. The grant is through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Program and Deputy Fire Chief Dave Curtis received official notification from U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow’s office Wednesday. Curtis says the grant will allow for the complete replacement of a 40-year-old truck from 1973 and while it does have a lot of history, it’s time to move on. Curtis tells WHMI it will be equipped with improved safety features to aid in operations as these types of trucks are primarily used for firefighting efforts and wildfires. Curtis says the amount of the total replacement vehicle project is $146,000, with the federal share just short of $139,000. Following the announcement, Curtis says the department has a one-year period of performance to create specifications, put the project out to bid, construct and take delivery of the new brush truck. As a condition of the grant, Curtis says the old truck must be permanently removed from emergency services so it will be stripped of all of its equipment and likely sold at auction. (JM)