In 2007 we applied to the US Smokeless Tobacco Polaris Ranger Program and received  a Polaris Ranger 6 x6 estimated to cost $9700 which would be used for EMS responses of the over the challenging terrain within our response area.  We were awarded this vehicle later that year and since have outfitted the unit with an EMS skid. This unit has become the primary rescue unit at the Racine County Fair.
In 2008 we applied for a SAFER Grant through FEMA.  Our request was for $3000 dollars per year for the next 4 years to advertise for the purpose of recruiting new members.  We were awarded and plan on advertising our department needs and fundraisers in the hopes of gaining new members and growing to ensure that we are able to meet the increased daytime personnel demands.
In 2009 we applied to the Federal Fire Protection grant thru the State of Wisconsin and were awarded $700 dollars to purchase 2 radios for our ATV unit.  These radios are essential for this unit to operate at any incident ensuring adequate communication. 
In 2009 we also applied again the Assistance to Firefighter grant program again for Rapid Intervention training and equipment and were warded $15,000.  Rapid Intervention is a concept that prepares us with trained firefighters and equipment to stand by on the scene of a working fire for the sole purposes of rescue one of our own if needed.  These teams are essential to ensure the safety of our members and any department we respond to using automatic or mutual aid.  We are currently in the process of purchasing the equipment and securing the trainers for this grant.
In the early months of this year we applied to the Polaris Trails Grant and were awarded.  This grant serves to increase ATV trail access and safety.  We teamed up with Bong Recreation Area and requested $10,000, with $5000 to be used to purchase an enclosed trailer for our ATV.  The other half of the award will be used at the state park to purchase and install an informational kiosk and also build a skills practice area.  This grant application was the first time we combined our request with another entity in need.  We are proud to say that through hard work and determination we have found a way to fund the projects that are a necessity for our department to improve our operational effectiveness. 
As we look into the future we are already planning for a 2010 Assistance to Firefighter Grant request in the amount of $32,000 to put Mobile Data Units into our apparatus.  These units will allow our members to access preplan data and inspection records of building while enroute for the purpose of improving fireground safety and decreasing fire loss due to fire.   This will greatly increase our effectiveness in protecting our community.
Our department will continue to actively research and apply for grants as a way to make important steps forward in improving the level of service we provide.