Milford - For nearly a year, supporters of the rescue truck argued their point, rallied the community behind it and then settled on small-time fund-raisers to cover the $30,000 needed to assemble it when council refused to provide any money.

But on Monday, after a groundswell of growing community support, a small request for $5,000 needed to complete the work was quietly approved.

There were no large crowds, no emphatic speeches and no boiling tempers.

Just a simple unanimous vote.

Volunteer fire chief Ned Hunsberger told town council that the truck will likely be road ready by Jan. 1, but about $5,000 more is needed for accessories to construct the pump. The chassis has been painted, but no more work can be done on the project until the pump is installed, Hunsberger said.

"It seems to me the community has demonstrated a great deal of support for the truck," Hunsberger said in making the request.

Doug Ruch, the lone councilman who has supported the project, made the motion to approve the $5,000 request. Robert Beers and Don Wolferman then followed suit.

Hunsberger said he was "shocked" that it passed, and said other firemen were too reluctant to attend the meeting.

The level of community support reached a high point about a month ago when three private donors gave enough to apparently finish the project.

Meanwhile, the EMS generated about $1,000 in a recent benefit and the fire department is currently operating a beef raffle.

Organizing another fund-raiser to cover the $5,000 would be more difficult. Fireman and the community tend to think some of the tax dollars they pay should be used, Hunsberger said.

In addition to financial support, the project has benefited greatly from volunteer efforts. Beer and Slabaugh, a local contractor, has offered assistance and two area residents, Gary Miller and Steve Tucker, have helped paint the vehicle. [[In-content Ad]]