Following months of feasibility studies, public information meetings and planning from town officials, Needham voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Question 4 at the midterm elections on Nov. 6 by a margin of 5,410 votes, thus securing $70 million to fund the reconstruction of the police and fire station and fire station no. 2.

“I think that this is big. This vote of confidence from the voters is very important to us and we’re really looking forward to getting started,” said Chair of the Select Board Dan Matthews. “The idea is to get moving right away so we can do all the phasing in exactly the way we told the voters we would.”

The grant was given to the department through Texas A&M Forest Service's Rural Volunteer Fire Department Assistance Program.

"Most vehicle accidents in our area are on country roads and sometimes include rescuing cattle as well as the driver," said Chief Steven Wentrcek. "The new air bags will lift a vehicle, even an 18-wheeler. The struts will help keep the vehicle stabilized and everyone safe while we use the extrication tools for rescue."

The grant will allow seven volunteers to attend a big rig extrication class where they will learn about the new advanced tools purchased with the grant.