(KNZA)--The city of Robinson has been awarded more than 186-thousand dollars in federal grant funding to purchase a new brush truck for the Robinson Fire Department.

The funding, through the Kansas Department of Commerce, will be matched with nearly 23-thousand dollars in local funds.

The new truck will replace an aging 1970 military-surplus vehicle and serve as a primary response vehicle for fires, medical emergencies, rescues, traffic control and mutual-aid calls.

The department serves Robinson, Robinson Township, Irving Township and surrounding communities, including Hiawatha, Horton and Everest.

The department responds to an average of 58 calls a year.

Robinson Mayor Kelly Griswold says the grant is an important investment in public safety for the city and surrounding rural areas.