For the first time in its history, the Hauser Lake Fire Protection District will be able to acquire a brand new fire truck, thanks to a $245,000 federal grant through the Department of Homeland Security.

Although it will be close to a year before firefighters will be in possession of the new vehicle, excitement is high about the grant, according to Hauser Fire Chief Larry Simms.

Not only will it be a plus to have a new truck, but acquiring it through grant money helps keep taxes down, observed Simms, who is also President of the Kootenai County Fire Chiefs.

This is the third year the group has submitted a grant application for a truck. Chief Simms notes there is generally an 80 percent turn down of applications. Two years ago they received funds for equipment.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of the federal government passed a fire act after 9/11, 2001, which makes funds available through the Assistance to Fire Fighters Frant. FEMA is now part of the Homeland Security Dept.

All previous fire trucks owned by the Hauser Fire District since its official formation in 1974 have been bought used. The same is true for those volunteering over the 20 years prior to state registration. The new truck will replace their 1975 pumper purchased used in the early 90’s.

However, the local district must match 5 percent of the grant money, that is, about $12,000. Part of these funds will be obtained through sale of that 1975 pumper.

Note: The Rathdrum Star is an independent, locally owned newspaper published each Wednesday by Panhandle Publishing Co., Inc. with advertising an editorial offices located at 8068 W. Main ST., Rathdrum, ID., 83858. The Star offers mailed subscriptions to Postal Zip Codes outside of 83858 and 83869 at $24 per year. Additionally, it will be mailed to every household in Hauser Lake, beginning the week of September 12, 2005, according to their note in Volume 1, Issue 49 dated September 14, 2005. Thanks to publisher Tom Burnett for sharing Hauser news!

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