The Polk Township Volunteer Fire Company’s Ladies Auxiliary presented the firefighters with a check for $40,000 Wednesday during their board of directors meeting.

Auxiliary president Patsy George handed the check to Bryan Beck, president of the fire department, as they stood in the engine bay near the helmets and turnout gear.

The money was raised for a couple of years, including Groundhog Lodge dinners, banquets, Election Day meals, alumni events, catering weddings and monthly breakfasts held every month except July and August, said George.

“We are using this money to purchase a 2014 International/Four-Guys 2,100-gallon tanker. It should arrive in September. We will house it in the Jonas station,” said Billy Tippett, fire chief.

The firehouse in Kresgeville has an engine and a tanker, and so will the Jonas station, which is at the north end of the township once the tanker arrives.

“When we get a fire call, guys go out from both stations. Both engines will be followed out by a tanker. This tanker will give us a better water supply,” he said.

The tanker’s total cost is $265,000.

Tippett said they already put some money down on it, and this check will help reduce the cost of a loan payment.

There have been 139 emergency calls so far this year, Tippett said.

“This tanker will help the community,” said George.

The fire company has 26 active firefighters and 12 social members.

“We need volunteers for the auxiliary. They’re an important part of this fire company and the fundraising efforts,” said George.

The auxiliary has 10 active members and several others that are just social members.

The auxiliary meets the third or fourth Monday of each month. George said interested volunteers can stop by the firehouse anytime to inquire.

They do a monthly hoagie sale and an annual yard sale.

The yard sale was held June 24, but rain kept some vendors and shoppers at home.