The Bennington Fire Department just received word that they were about to get a sizable amount of help.

Congressman Dan Boren alerted Fire Chief Eric Teal Wednesday that the Bennington Fire Department would receive a $63,270 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“We've been after this for years,” Teal said, adding that the department has trucks that constantly need repair and the funds will be used to replace one truck and, quite possibly, two.

“We'll get a new truck, some bunker gear and equipment for the other trucks,” Teal said.

Teal said he was excited to be receiving the grant, and the amount of money received is far more than the department usually spends in one year.

The department has not received the grant check yet, but Teal is not expecting it to take too long after receiving the grant to replace the truck. He is expecting to put the prospective purchase out for bid as soon as they receive the funds.

“I am pleased to announce that this money is headed to Bennington,” Boren said in a press release. “It will help ensure that our rural fire departments are not left behind as they work to provide first responder services and emergency preparedness for Oklahomans when they need it most.”

According to the press release, in the Fiscal Year 2007, the Department of Homeland Security will award approximately $490 million to departments across the country.