News of the grant was announced yesterday by Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th) during a visit to the Somerville Fire Museum where he met with town officials and officers of the fire department. Lance was instrumental in supporting the borough’s application for FEMA funding through that agency’s Assistance to Firefighters program.

The monies will be used to replace outdated self-contained breathing apparatus, or (SCBA). Known more commonly as air packs, these air cylinder, regulator and mask units provide breathable air during firefighting operations.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency awarded the city a grant covering 90 percent of the anticipated $498,000 cost to purchase a new engine, which would become the Fire Department’s primary pumper.

Replacing Engine 3 Engine 3 will allow Engine 1, a 1996 pumper that is currently the department’s front-line option, to become the reserve engine.

The older Engine 3 has open rear seats, which does not meet modern safety standards. There have also been mechanical issues that have made it difficult for the vehicle to meet state inspection standards.

The 107-foot 2018 Ferrara aerial ladder truck has a front bumper like no other. Housing 100-foot hydraulic reels with hydraulic rescue tools — similar to the Jaws of Life — the bumper will ensure the ladder is ready for anything if it's first on the scene, Ludwig said.

Tools to cut through a steering wheel, pop a door open or split a car roof tap into the ladder's internal 10,000-watt generator. And with four high-powered LED floodlights, a midnight interstate wreck can be as fully lighted and serviceable as in broad daylight.

The City of Palm Bay has purchased two new fire engines this year thanks to federal grant money awarded to the city. Earlier this year PBFR welcomed a new engine and tender truck to their fleet thanks to funding from the Community Development Block Grant.

This latest engine purchase comes because of funding received from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant, with was a 10 percent match from the city.