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The Town of Goshen has received a FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) grant in the amount of $260,000 for the purchase of a new pumper/tanker fire truck for the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department. The new fire truck will have capacity to carry 2,000 gallons of water.

Goshen Mayor Darren Jordan said the new fire truck will be a major asset for Goshen due to the town’s limited water sources.

“The Goshen Volunteer Fire Department not only responds to fires here in the Goshen area but, when needed, to calls in Springhill, Glenwood, Luverne and all the way to the Montgomery County line on the west side,” Jordan said. “These volunteer fire departments also respond to fires here in Goshen when there is a need. We are very appreciative on the FEMA funding that will make it possible for us to purchase this new fire truck. It will greatly benefit the local and extended fire-fighting needs of our volunteer fire department.”

Jordan said the FEMA grant requires a 10 percent match which is a small price to pay on such a huge return.

“Grant funding is imperative for us,” Jordan said. “It is probably one of the biggest assets our town can have. The FEMA grant makes it possible for us to offer a higher level of fire protection. Like for other fire departments, funding for the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department comes from the Alabama Tobacco Tax Fund.

“That tax revenue brings in about $1,000 a month,” Jordan said. “Being small, the Town of  Goshen doesn’t have a lot of tax revenue itself.  So, if we had to go out and try to borrow $260,000 for a fire truck, it would be difficult. Not knowing what’s down the road, how could a small town like Goshen commit to a loan like that? That’s how important grant funding is to us.”

With the uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, the new pumper/tanker fire truck will probably not be available until November, possibly after the first of the year.

“We’re just proud to know that it will be coming,” Jordan said.

The Goshen Volunteer Fire Department has 15 active certified firefighters and six of those are state certified firefighters who work with the Troy Fire Department.

“Having those state certified firefighters volunteer with us is huge,” Jordan said. “The knowledge they share makes our volunteers stronger caliber firefighters and that enables our volunteer fire department to provide better service.”

The new pumper/tanker fire truck can also carry a drop tank capable of carrying an additional 2,000 gallons of water.

“That would double the water capacity,” Jordan said.

“The average fire can be put out with between 60 and 100 gallons. But, if a fire can’t be put out, then firefighters will probably thousands.”

Jordan expressed gratitude to the members of the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department who serve without pay or any form of compensation.

Jordan also expressed appreciation to Rep. Martha Roby and State Rep. Wes Allen and State Senator Jimmy Holley for their support of the FEMA grant for Goshen.