The Hope Volunteer Fire Department will be getting a new fire truck with a grant of nearly half a million dollars.

Chad Emmitt, assistant chief with the department, said that the department has already ordered the brand-new fire engine to replace a truck that is more than 20 years old.

“Really just to replace it and provide a lot better service to the community, is that we are really trying to do,” Emmitt said. “The total project amount is $492,000, which is a good amount for us. We have customized the engine to fit our department and into the future. We have to provide a 5 percent match.”

Emmitt said the new truck will be built by E-ONE, a company that has already built a truck for the department and also has build trucks in neighboring communities.

“This new engine will be a custom cab… It will hold six personnel — lot newer equipment, up to date technologies as far as lighting equipment,” Emmitt said. “We hope that not only will this benefit the town and our township, but it will help mutual aid departments in other communities as well.”

The department has a brush truck, a tanker and two engines.

Emmitt credited Administrative Resources Administration for the company’s help in securing the grant. Trena Carter, with ARA, works with the town of Hope to help procure funding for projects and the town extended that help to the independent fire department.

Emmitt also praised the support for the community, such as at Saturday’s pancake breakfast the firefighters held for the Hope Ride. And this weekend the department will be holding a fish fry at Hope Heritage Days. On Oct. 1st, the department will be providing fire and medic protection to the corn maze being organized at Simmons Winery.

“It has a been a pretty busy month as far as fundraisers go and we would like to thank our members for all the hard work and dedication they have put in,” Emmitt said.

The department is also seeking grant money to purchase breathing gear for firefighters.