HANNAWA FALLS – A federal grant of $57,000 is headed to the Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department to replace a 33-year-old brush truck.

“This grant will help my department handle the tough terrain involved in wild-land fighting,” said Fire Department Chief Kenneth Eurto.

“Both our firefighters and citizens will benefit from the more efficient response to these difficult scenes.”

The truck will be used to extinguish fires in wilder, less-developed areas and in more remote sections of northern New York. It will help the department fight fires more efficiently and help reduce the department’s mounting maintenance costs.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, in announcing the grant, said, “This federal grant will not only ensure that the Town of Pierrepont is better protected during emergencies, but will also benefit surrounding communities with limited access to firefighting resources.”

The Hannawa Falls Volunteer Fire Department, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has 40 members in the Town of Pierrepont. On average, the department responds to 115 calls annually, and is responsible for approximately 40 square miles and 2,500 residents.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program provides federal funding to first responder organizations for the acquisition of personal protective equipment, firefighting vehicles, and emergency response equipment.