The challenges facing the architectural candidates are numerous, committee chairman Richard McCarty said during the interviews. The firm selected will be charged with remedying a host of problems plaguing the 60-plus-year-old facility, and doing so within the estimated budget of around $1 million.

The outdated building requires raised overhead garage doors to accommodate fire equipment from both Wilton and other nearby departments, renovated living arrangements (from restroom and kitchen upgrades to improved sleeping quarters) and upgraded mechanical and electrical infrastructure.

Though commissioners repeatedly acknowledged that it was unlikely all these renovations were possible with their budget, they were looking for a firm that offered the best value for every dollar spent.

The grant will allow Taylor to continue to update and improve its fire department fleet.

“We are very happy to receive this AFG grant and thankful for Rep. Dingell’s efforts in this area,” said Mayor Rick Sollars. “We are constantly looking at options to make our fire department fleet better.”

The grant will be used to purchase a new pumper truck, with the city matching 10 percent of the funds. CIty Council still has to approve the grant and matching money.

Fire Chief Stephen Portis and Deputy Chief Stan Pochron worked on the AFG grant application with the City’s administration.

An ever-improving financial condition has allowed department to replace its entire Fire Department fleet over a four-year period, something that the mayor said he never thought possible when he took office in 2013.

One firefighter was injured and airlifted to a nearby hospital.