Prior to the purchase, the fire department was relying on ambulances from the Charlottesville-Albemarle Rescue Squad.  

“Our firefighters that are assigned to these ambulances now and in the future will be able to fill multiple roles, including as firefighters. So we want to make sure that the ambulance is designed in such a way that’ll easily carry the equipment,” said Charlottesville Fire Department Chief Andrew Baxter.

The grants provide reimbursement of 80 percent of the total amount of the project. Grant recipients receive reimbursement only after the purchase or construction costs have been paid by the recipient, according to the Oklahoma Forestry Services website.

Sam’s Point Volunteer Fire Department, which is located three miles North West of Canadian, was one of 16 fire departments in Oklahoma to be awarded the grant. The grant will help purchase wildland gear and structure gear such as jackets, boots, gloves and other essential gear the firefighters can use.