"The protection of our firefighters is of primary importance to our department leaders. Our goal to protect the lives and property of township and village residents and visitors cannot be successful if we don't provide quality protective gear to our firefighters. The provision of such gear would not be possible without the tremendous assistance provided by this FEMA grant," the chief said.

Much of the department's gear is 12 to 15 years old, he said.

The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program was developed in the aftermath of the events of September 11, 2001. The program is designed to assist local fire agencies with training and equipment that meets current firefighting industry standards.

When the driver started to cross, the ambulance collided with a southbound Jaguar, police said.

The driver of that car told investigators he hadn't heard the sirens before he reached the intersection. Police noted that the light was green going his way. Once he heard the sirens, he says he tried to make it out of the intersection, to get out of the ambulance's way.

The fire department was able to purchase the truck for $264,625 with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds.

The old truck will go into reserve, according to officials. The new truck is specially equipped to better handle medical calls, which the fire department regularly responds to, especially out in the county where it may take longer for an ambulance to arrive.

“Between 75 and 80 percent of our calls are medical related,” said Chief Dennis Knight.

Department representatives pointed out that the new truck could potentially save the department money long-term due to increased fuel efficiency.

The fire department was able to purchase the truck for $264,625 with Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds.

The old truck will go into reserve, according to officials. The new truck is specially equipped to better handle medical calls, which the fire department regularly responds to, especially out in the county where it may take longer for an ambulance to arrive.

“Between 75 and 80 percent of our calls are medical related,” said Chief Dennis Knight.

Department representatives pointed out that the new truck could potentially save the department money longterm due to increased fuel efficiency.