VIDEO: A hometown fire department was on the receiving end of a new fire engine Tuesday, Sept. 19. The rig is possible because of a state-funded program.
"These local officials are finding pots of money wherever they can to make sure that they can provide the critical services like fire, like police, to keep our community safe, and that’s really what it's all about," said Dan Hereth, secretary of the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
More than $28.3 million was collected for Wisconsin fire departments through the "Fire Dues Program," which provides a way to enhance fire departments throughout the Badger State.
The money is taken from area homeowners, where 2% of their insurance premiums are collected to ensure against loss from fires.