By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

ROCKWELL — Rockwell City Fire Department will soon be able to add new equipment and gear to its roster with the help of a recent grant from the state fire marshal’s office.

The N.C. Department of Insurance Office of State Fire Marshal awarded the department the $10,750 grant through the 2015 volunteer fire department fund.

“We are pleased to have been awarded this 50/50 matching grant as it continues to assist us in providing updated equipment for our members and department,” said Fire Chief Tim Linker.

Linker said the department will be able to purchase a thermal imaging camera, turnout gear and fire hose. The items will be purchased in the next budget year starting July 1, he said.

The gear and hose are upgrades to existing equipment, while the imaging camera will be an addition, Linker said.

Commissioner of Insurance Wayne Goodwin said sometimes department’s budgets don’t grow with their responsibilities. The money from the grant is a way for these departments to purchase equipment and supplies to do their jobs correctly and safely.

Since the volunteer fire department fund’s inception in 1988, Rockwell City Fire Department has received $48,231 in grant funds.

The grant funds must be matched, “dollar-for-dollar,” up to an approved amount, with money raised locally for needed equipment.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.