Diamond Fire Company of Walnutport is thrilled with the new pumper truck it just received.

It is a 2009 International/KME Interface Pumper that was built in Nesquehoning and placed in service Oct. 7 at a cost of $380,000. The pumper is equipped with a 1,500 gallon per minute pump with both water and foam tanks.The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) awarded a $261,250 Assistance to Firefighters Grant to the Diamond Fire Company. This award aims to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of the public with respect to fire and other hazards. "This grant enabled us to purchase the pumper and has been instrumental in building capacity and providing needed resources to fire departments throughout the country," says Diamond Fire Co. chief, John Kirchner.The balance of the total cost was provided by a 2% low interest loan through the PA State Fire Commissioners Office."This pumper replaced two of our aging fire apparatus, a 1983 Attack Pumper and our 1982 Tanker-Pumper," says Kirchner.Also, the fire hose and a Thermal Imaging Camera was provided by a $10,000 contribution by Walnutport Borough Council.