Curry Fire Rescue
Securing funding for a ladder truck – building on previous success
55%
grant-funded
3 sources
blended funding
The Department
Curry Fire Rescue is a volunteer department of 25 serving Walker County, a rural Alabama community. The department works to serve multi-story structures, marinas, churches, and neighborhoods around Lewis Smith Lake.
The Problem
They needed to add a ladder truck to their fleet, but the cost of a used truck exceeded their operating budget. Without it, the department couldn't effectively service multi-story structures and other high-reach emergency situations.
The Solution
Building on their previous success with Funding Navigator, the team used a blended funding approach: grants covered 55% of the cost, the operating budget contributed $15,000, and a local bank loan with favorable fire department terms covered the remainder.
The Department
About the Department
Curry Fire Rescue has spent fifty years serving Walker County with dedication and heart. Randy Judge, a board member with previous grant experience through Funding Navigator, understood the value of a strategic approach to funding. When the department identified the need for a ladder truck, Randy knew exactly where to turn. "We'd already had success with Funding Navigator when we secured grants for the Decon Washer," Randy explains. "That experience gave us confidence that we could find funding for the ladder truck, too."
The Solution
Grant target
Multiple Grant Sources
Grant awarded
55% of truck cost
Background
"The key was getting creative with our resources," Randy says. "We didn't rely on just one source. Grants gave us a solid foundation, our operating budget helped bridge the gap, and the bank worked with us on favorable terms. Together, these pieces made it possible."
Outcome
Curry Fire Rescue successfully added the ladder truck to their fleet through strategic blended funding. The ladder truck enhances the department's ability to respond to multi-story fires, rescue calls at marinas and churches, and access narrow driveways. The new equipment also improved the department's ISO rating, which directly benefits homeowners in their coverage area through lower insurance premiums.
How Funding Navigator Works
- 1Onboard your data (one time only)
- 2Get help building your application
- 3Submit application
- 4Secure your grant
In Their Own Words
Customer Reflections
"Getting creative paid off for Curry Fire Rescue. The ladder truck is a great addition for Walker County and residents near Lewis Smith Lake."
"Adding a ladder truck to the fleet also improves our score with Insurance Services Office. The ISO rating is a major contributor to a homeowner's insurance premium."
"We didn't rely on just one source. Grants gave us a solid foundation, our operating budget helped bridge the gap, and the bank worked with us on favorable terms."
"Our previous success with the Decon Washer gave us confidence that we could find funding for the ladder truck, too."
Going Forward
The ladder truck marks another milestone in Curry Fire Rescue's ongoing commitment to their community. By combining grants, budget allocation, and strategic financing, the department demonstrates how blended funding approaches can solve critical equipment needs. This success adds to the department's growing track record of securing resources to better serve their neighbors in Walker County.
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