Hartford Fire Department receives nearly $110K, buys new fire engine

HARTFORD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A hometown fire department was on the receiving end of a new fire engine Tuesday, Sept. 19. The rig is possible because of a state-funded program.

"These local officials are finding pots of money wherever they can to make sure that they can provide the critical services like fire, like police, to keep our community safe, and that’s really what it's all about," said Dan Hereth, secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

More than $28.3 million was collected for Wisconsin fire departments through the "Fire Dues Program," which provides a way to enhance fire departments throughout the Badger State.

The money is taken from area homeowners, where 2% of their insurance premiums are collected to ensure against loss from fires.

"It's something that people don’t even notice it's happening, but it's a great benefit to the local communities and fire department, said Hartford Fire Chief Paul Stephans.

The purchase of Hartford's new engine used all the department's allocated Fire Dues funds, which totaled close to $110,000.

The new fire truck cost nearly $600,000 -- the department said it will be equipped with all the bells and whistles.

"This truck is specified to be more ergonomically friendly to the staff, lower hose beds, more room in the cab for the firefighters, easier visibility, and safer for the firefighters all around," said Stephans.