Shelbyville Fire Department Receives Federal Grant

September 19, 2007, SHELBYVILLE – The Shelbyville Fire Department will receive a $475,000 U.S. Department of Homeland Security vehicle acquisition grant, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.

“Many communities struggle to maintain EMS and firefighting services,” said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Even though demands on EMS providers and firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not.

“That’s why Congress initiated the Assistance to Firefighters Program, which is similar to the highly successful COPS program that put more than 100,000 new police officers on the nation’s streets.”

The Shelbyville Fire Department will use these funds to purchase a 75-foot ladder truck according to Assistant Chief Ricky McConnell. The truck will replace a 1973 truck that doesn’t have a pump or tank. Firefighters have had to take a pump and tank to calls. The 1973 truck also has a bucket, similar to utility company trucks that use buckets to lift staff to repair phone or electrical lines, whereas the new truck will have an open ladder.

“It’s getting harder to find parts for the truck, and we needed something with a pump and tank,” McConnell said. “We appreciate all the support. As Shelbyville grows, our demands grow.”