The Village of Farnam’s firefighters are now riding in a safer, more reliable fire truck thanks to a $109,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). The grant allowed for the community to address one of its primary needs: to upgrade the current equipment to adequately protect the area they serve. A goal to purchase a new pumper truck, as well as other equipment for the department, was set by the community to alleviate this need.

In order to meet its goal, volunteers began searching for means of paying for the upgrades needed. A community public hearing was held after results from a community survey were tabulated. The results showed overwhelming support for the project. An action plan was developed from the results of the hearing, with the need to upgrade the fire department’s equipment being one of the four priorities identified for Farnam. It was decided to apply for the CDBG grant to fund a major portion of the project.

In preparation for the grant application process, a community survey was once again conducted. The survey revealed community members saw the importance of using CDBG grants to help fund their project: not a single survey returned was opposed to spending local, state and federal moneys for the purchase of new equipment for the local fire department.

As a result of the CDBG grant Farnam was able to replace its 1960 pumper truck with a updated, safer model. Also, interest with Farnam’s Volunteer Fire Department, has peaked. They currently have 21 volunteers, more than they have ever had. These men will now be working with better equipment, which will allow them to do their job of protecting the community more efficiently, while at the same time do their job in a more safe environment.