By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

VINCENT – Congressman Spencer Bachus visited the town of Vincent to celebrate the town’s new fire truck on Aug. 22.

The truck was purchased with a grant awarded from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The fire department had only two useable fire trucks prior to the new truck. The second newest truck was a 1987 fire truck purchased for $18,900, and the other a 1972 truck purchased for $8,000.

“We’ll be able to help the surrounding communities and provide mutual aid with Harpersville and Vandiver,” Fire Chief Michael Smiley said. “(The new truck) has all the bells and whistles. It’s more than we expected. We’ve been needing new equipment.”

The 2011 five-passenger Pierce fire truck cost $225,000, and the grant was awarded to only five or six communities in Alabama, Councilman Johnny Edwards said.

“It’ll just be fantastic for this community,” Chelsea Fire Chief Wayne Shirley said of the new truck.

Vincent Mayor Ray McAllister said the town tried for the grant last year, but didn’t receive the money. This year, however, the council tried again and were able to purchase the truck with the funds.

“I want to thank someone like Congressman Spencer Bachus for keeping those programs funded,” McAllister said.

Bachus said it was a “really good day” for the community, and the town “deserved” the new fire truck.

“I think you’re going to have tremendous growth,” Bachus said. “Everyone wants to live in Shelby County.”