DEPEW, N.Y. — The Depew Fire Department is finally getting its hands on some much needed equipment, all thanks to one state lawmaker.

The Depew Fire Department has 53 air tanks that are all about 12 years old, and they’re actually going to expire next year.

But just in the nick of time, Assemblywoman Monica Wallace secured a $250,000 state grant for the department that will allow them to replace every tank.

“We’ve been trying other grants, other avenues of funding for the last two years and it hasn’t worked out. But after meeting with Assemblywoman Wallace and explaining our need, it’s only been a few months and she already came through for us, so it’s great,” said Depew Fire Chief Scott Wegst.

Wallace released the following statement:

“Depew firefighters risk their lives every day for our community and it’s our duty to make sure they have the equipment they need to protect themselves. I made sure that these brave first responders received the funding they deserve in this year’s budget. Fiscal restraints make it increasingly difficult to adequately fund fire departments, but proper state funding can alleviate the tax burden that villages and local fire departments face.”

The department is now in the process of ordering those new air tanks.