The FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant requires $200,000 match from Stockton, bringing the total to $1 million, the city's spokeswoman Connie Cochran said.

With six new engines now en route to Stockton this year, Fire Chief Jeff Piechura said he will also change up his department's approach to how it responds to some calls.

The Stockton Fire Department has been awarded a $1 million FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to fund the purchase of two new fire engines.  These engines are in addition to the four new engines that the City approved last year, which will be delivered and placed into service by May. The FEMA grant-funded engines will need to be constructed in a factory, which takes approximately six months from the date of order.  It is anticipated that the engines will replace old engines in the fleet by fall of 2013. 

            “This grant allows the Stockton Fire Department to begin the transition of providing contemporary fire and emergency medical services to the community,” said Chief Jeff Piechura. “This grant fills an immediate fire engine need that replaces antiquated and high maintenance cost vehicles, while saving the City up to $800,000.”