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Actually they'll just be bringing themselves up to the present, when they buy a new 2009 pump truck this year replacing their current 1980 model. The department can afford the new truck because two weeks ago they received a $261,000 grant from FEMA.

Fire Chief Pete Hoogerhyde applied for the grant about a year ago, and said he didn't think they would get it.

"It's a huge thing," he said. "We went for a long shot to get the money." The fire department bought the current truck about five years ago from Haines Township near Grand Rapids, when that department received a FEMA grant.

Hoogerhyde said though the truck is still in service, the new one will have far greater capabilities. Among them, the truck will have a four door cab to fit five firefighters, airpacked seats, a 1,250 gallon per minute hose (compared to the 750 gallon per minute currently) and phone capabilities.

"It's technology," Hoogerhyde said and pointed to the difference between a car from this year and one from 1980. "You've got a CD player now rather than an 8-track."

The new features on the truck should help preserve other equipment too. Hoogerhyde said the department will need to use the tankers less, making them last longer.

The new vehicle will be the first truck out for any major fires or accidents, according to the chief.

The truck, which has been bid out to CSI in Grayling, should be built and ready to go by September 2008.

Hoogerhyde said a representative from CSI helped him and his wife write the grant, which took months.

"My wife did a ton of paperwork and went to grant writing classes," Hoogerhyde said. "It's not just yes or no answers."

The department also received a matching grant of $16,000 from the DNR in early January for a new four wheel drive mini-pumper, also known as a quick attack truck. The grant along with funds allocated by the department will pay for the machine that will help quell grass fires, car fires and other emergency situations.

"We'll be able to get into places like driveways, and assist snowmobile accidents with it," Hoogerhyde said.

He expects to have the mini pumper in March and volunteers from the fire department will help put together the skid unit for the truck to save some money.

On top of the grants, voters in Star Township agreed to a .5 mill increase for the fire department Jan. 15.

"For about 30 days we've done pretty well," Hoogerhyde said. "It shows the support of the people in the township. And people can come and see it's all on display here (in the fire hall)."

Hoogerhyde emphasizes how far the fire department, which consists of 19 firefighters has come, earning its second FEMA grant, support from the township and building up from nothing.

"Three and a half years ago this was a blade of grass," he said about the fire station.

Hadley Robinson can be reached at hrobinson@michigannewspapers.com or by calling 231-533-8523.