The Newcastle Fire Company will receive a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant for $49,400 to help purchase a four-wheel-drive truck to respond to brushfires and conduct rescue operations in remote wooded locations, according to a release from Congresswoman Chellie Pingree.

“I’m happy that the Newcastle Fire Company will receive these funds to replace a vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life. To protect lives and property, it’s essential for rural communities like Newcastle to have dependable emergency equipment that can handle rugged terrain,” said Pingree.  “The federal investment allows the community to make this critical update while limiting the impact on local taxpayers.”

Newcastle Fire Company Chief Clayton Huntley said the funds will help the town replace a military surplus Jeep truck the department has used for 30 years to fight brushfires and perform rescues in remote locations not accessible to other emergency vehicles.  

“We squeezed every ounce out of it that we could,” Chief Huntley said of the old vehicle, which will be replaced with a more modern four-wheel-drive truck.