For the Honoraville Volunteer Fire Department, Christmas came very early this year.

Last Thursday, the fire department received a 2007 pumper truck which it was awarded after applying for a FEMA grant.

The VFD previously had a 1971 pumper truck and a 1984 pumper truck. The new truck will replace the 1971 model, according to Honoraville VFD Fire Chief Robert McGough.

&#8220We applied for this grant in April of 2006,” McGough said. &#8220We can't tell you how proud we are of this new truck for our department.”

The Honoraville VFD is comprised of 16 members.

McGough said the total grant was for $195,000, with matching funds for the fire department running at $9,775.

The truck was purchased from PRO-FIRE Equipment in Pelham, Ala.

&#8220We also received a U.S.D.A. grant for $49,000,” McGough added. &#8220That money was for turnouts (equipment and clothing) and for SCBAsŠ.We just got that check last Friday.”

The Honoraville VFD is in the process of having fundraisers to cover the matching funds for the new pumper truck. McGough said the department will have its next fundraiser July 4 when they will be selling barbecue ribs.

&#8220We'll also be selling chances on a bull and/or calf to be given away in August,” he said.

The department will begin selling chances on the bull within the next two weeks.

For more information about these fundraisers for the department, contact Robert McGough at 334-382-3446.