Flint police said the ambulance was driving east on Richfield Road and had its lights and sirens on as it approached Dort Highway.

The funds will be used to purchase a new high-pressure compressor, used to fill self-contained breathing apparatuses that provide breathable air to firefighters when they are in extremely hazardous conditions.

Such grants are awarded each year to selected fire departments, state fire training academies, and emergency medical service organizations across the country.

“I am pleased that the Paso Robles Fire Department will receive federal funds to help update this essential piece of equipment that supports local firefighters in their efforts to protect the public,” Capps said. “We must ensure that our local firefighters are properly equipped, especially as we face another potentially catastrophic fire season. As fire seasons continue to stretch longer and longer, we know how important these types of resources are for swift and effective fire containment, as well as the safety of our first responders. We owe nothing less to our brave men and women who continue to put their lives on the line and keep our communities safe.”

That truck and Engine 9, from 1989, will be replaced in the next few weeks by the new vehicles. The retired engines will be used as backup trucks. The new vehicles cost about $1 million combined, and the fire chief noted this is the first time since 1997 the Fire Department received more than one apparatus at a single time.The new trucks - E-One Cyclone custom pumpers – were blessed with holy water by the Rev. Walter Riley in a short service Tuesday morning at Fire Department headquarters on Grove Street.“Watch over those who use these vehicles from this day forward,” the department chaplain said as he spritzed the fronts of the cabs.Dignitaries at the ceremony included City Councilors Khrystian King and Kathleen Toomey, City Manager Edward M. Augustus Jr. and District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.“There are so many tough jobs that we ask our public employees to do, it’s incumbent upon us to make sure they have the resources and equipment to do the job right,” Mr. Augustus said in his remarks.

“I need to thank the people of Middleton who understood the importance of and approved this new truck.”Town Administrator Andy Sheehan echoed Twiss’ gratitude. “It is a great asset to the Town.”A custom designThe truck took 380 days to build, specifically for Middleton’s requirements at a cost of $461,660.“This truck carries 950 gallons of water and 50 gallons of foam,” noted Twiss, who traveled to Pennsylvania to do the final inspection of the new fire engine before it was delivered.“The foam is important, especially in a commercial, industrial or roadway setting, because it allows us to at least make an initial attack. We can and will still call for the regional foam truck, but when you consider the traffic on the roads these days, it can take a long time to get here. With the foam on board we have a chance to control the situation faster,” explained Twiss.The Middleton fire chief shows off the tools of the new fire truck with great pride as he played a key role in designing it. He cites important elements and technologies like the on-board generator, more hose and the enhanced scene lighting features. Even the location and ease of use of the control panel is important as it makes the firefighter’s jobs easier and faster when just seconds can make a big difference in saving a life or controlling a fire.