—Daily Freeman-Journal photo by Adri Sietstra Kamrar Fire Chief Tim Mortenson is pictured above with the newest addition to the Kamrar Fire Department. The truck was purchased with the help of a $25,000 grant from USDA Rural Development. The truck will replace a smaller truck that was more than 20-years-old and had outdated fire equipment.

KAMRAR — Community leaders in Kamrar today unveiled a recently purchased fire truck which officials say will help improve fire protection services in the community.

The truck’s purchase was made possible through a $25,000 grant from USDA Rural Development. The purchase price for the new vehicle was $82,995.

“We are pleased to be assisting the City of Kamrar with this new brush fire truck that will greatly increase the ability of their volunteers to fight grass fires which can spread quickly and cause significant property damage,” said Timothy Helbrecht, USDA Rural Development Acting State Director for Iowa.

The new four-wheel drive, four-door crew cab truck, purchased from Ed Field Co. in Carroll, will replace a smaller truck that was more than 20-years-old, had outdated fire-fighting equipment and was unreliable. The Independence, Liberty, Hamilton and Lyon Townships also contributed funds toward the purchase of the truck.

The City of Kamrar with a population of 199 residents, received the funding from USDA Rural Development’s Community Facilities programs which help ensure rural areas enjoy the same basic quality of life and services enjoyed by those in urban areas, according to officials.

The Kamrar Fire Department has 14 volunteer members, including Chief Tim Mortenson, Burton Pigsley, assistant chief, Joe Lankin, deputy chief, Dustin Flatebo 1st Lieutenant, Cody Range, 2nd Lieutenant, Brandon Tapper, Gunther Range, Jason Moon, Jess Miller, Jory Lanken, Nick Neuhring, Val Moon and Holly Mortenson. Ken Trusty is the department’s rescue chief.