NORWICH – The City of Norwich is getting closer to acquiring a new fire truck and now has a powerful federal ally rallying to their cause.

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer wrote the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, supporting the Norwich Fire Department’s application for funding under the 2007 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program that would go toward the purchase of a new fire truck and new equipment.

Norwich Fire Captain Tim Christophersen said, “We need another truck, we need one badly.”

Fire Chief Joseph Angelino and Volunteer Fire Chief Jan Papelino presented a purchase proposal to the finance committee earlier this week. They are currently looking at buying a new ‘06 E-1 Typhoon pumper truck custom, from a distributor in Endicott. The chiefs looked at four other possibilities and chose the lowest bidder who could meet the department’s standards, said Angelino.

“Many of the trucks we rely on were purchased in the 1970s or 80s when Norwich was a more affluent community, and the trucks have now served their purpose and then some,” said Angelino.