The Eli Volunteer Fire Department received notification from FEMA that the department has been awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the amount of $428,571.00 toward the purchase of a new tanker for the department. The grant award is outstanding news for the department and will allow the department to replace a 1982 GMC Tanker, which is now 42 years old. The new tanker will be safer and more efficient to respond and better serve the property owners in our jurisdiction along with other emergency calls. The department’s primary source of funding is from subscriber fees paid by the property owners in the jurisdiction. Grants such as this are extremely helpful to replace very expensive and outdated equipment to better serve the community. The new tanker will also be very welcome with the recent good news of the new PPC designation for the department. The department will be responsible for a $21,429 match towards the purchase of the truck. Everyone stay alert for additional fundraisers to help assist in raising these funds. Also, thank you to everyone the community that continues to support the department and faithfully pays the annual subscriber fees.