"Before now, the largest tank that we had was a 400-gallon capacity," said Forreston VFD Fire Chief Wes Curry. "This unit will allow us to stay out longer which will help with a quicker knock-down of a fire."

Converting military vehicles into firefighting machines help departments attain rugged trucks with maximum off-road capability, Forreston VFD's news release stated.

The ordinance authorizes “the Penfield Fire Company to obtain reimbursement for the cost of materials expended and services rendered in fighting fires and rendering emergency and emergency rescue services.”

The ordinance reads, “in order to ensure the continued viability of the Penfield Fire Company and to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare, an ordinance must be adopted to authorize the fire company to collect money from the insurance providers of those who receive fire fighting, rescue and emergency services.”

The trucks, which will be on display during a "wetdown" celebration Saturday, include a 600-gallon Pierce Arrow XT pumper and a companion 3,500-gallon Arrow XT tanker truck.

The trucks represent one of the borough’s largest capital costs at $1.3 million. They also represent an investment in resident safety, since half the town functions on wells and does not have hydrants.

“We need to be able to bring 4,000 gallons of water to the scene of a fire to keep our ISO rating,” said Fire Chief Ryan Dodd, referring to the nationwide Insurance Services Office that sets rates for homes and businesses based in part on a municipality’s fire department capabilities.