Chief Joel Baker said some motorist believe they know what to do, but they really don’t. For example, drivers are not supposed to brake right in front of a truck. That multi-ton apparatus cannot be maneuvered quickly and may smack you in the rear. Instead, Baker suggests gradually move over to the right to let the truck pass. The chief also said there are a small percentage of drivers who believe they can race ahead of the emergency vehicle and won’t have to yield. Baker said that driver should think of the possibility the emergency may be a call from someone they know.

"Never received any brand new SCBAs since we really have been in business. We've got 15 now and 15 spare bottles to make our guys a lot safer," says Fire Chief Patrick Allen.

This is essential equipment for firefighters while on certain scenes.  "It's for when we go into IDLH environments, smoke and hazmat situations. "

It'll help with the safety of the firefighters, and also their health in the long run.

"If you can't breathe, you can't do nothing. You know it'll help you for future years.  It ain't good to breathe the smoke. Like I said it just helps you with your respiratory system," says Fire Chief Allen.

New equipment wouldn't be possible for the Hollywood Fire Department if it wasn't for grants like these.

"We just applied for another equipment grant for some more LDH fire hoses and we hope we can get it, too."

“These fire suits have the latest safety features and better heat protection than the worn-out ones. It's difficult to replace these suits costing between $1,800-2,500 on a $12,000 a year budget,” said Jason Sands, safety officer and public information officer.

“We hope we are able to obtain new breathing units (SCBAs) in the near future to replace our old fleet, but it's hard to do when each one is $6,000.”

The more than $225,000 in funding helped to purchase 33 SCBAs, one air bottle and one spare bottle for each device, 38 face masks, 38 voice amplifiers for each mask and a pack tracking device that will allow for the location of a downed firefighter. The department’s previous inventory of equipment was more than 13 years old and no longer met National Fire Protection Agency specifications.

The Dresden Volunteer Fire Department has 46 members. It serves the Village of Dresden and townships of Cass, Jefferson and Madison.