The Newburgh City Fire Department has some updated equipment with even more on the way. 

About a year ago, firefighters responded to an explosion at cosmetic company Verla International, and just this month, they used a new radio system.

The radio was received following a scary incident in which the firefighters were trapped and could not communicate with each other.

"The guys outside had no way of calling them on the radio. There was nothing. We just did not have the means to communicate [and] that's an issue we've been struggling with for years," said Assistant Fire Chief Terry Ahlers.

Part of the updated euipment includes a new ladder truck secured by Senator Bill Larkin's $950,000 grant. The old truck has been used on more than 16,000 calls and constantly breaks down. 

Officials say these additions are key to both firefighters and the people they protect. 

"We have to be prepared to get in and get out safely, and get the people out safely," Larkin said.

Once the fire department gets the green light, it will put the order in for the truck — it will take more than a year to build.