BEDFORD — The Shawswick Volunteer Fire Department and the Lawrence County Fire Territory are going green to save green. During Tuesday morning’s Lawrence County Commissioners meeting, officials granted the department permission to apply for a significant federal grant aimed at modernizing their fleet with electric vehicle technology.
The department is seeking an $80,000 Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) to fund the purchase of a 2027 light-duty electric truck.
The move toward an electric platform is driven by a desire to reduce operational costs and protect the department’s heavy-duty emergency apparatus. By utilizing a light-duty electric truck for routine tasks and smaller calls, the department aims to:
- Reduce Fuel Costs: The department estimates the switch will save more than $4,000 annually in fuel expenses.
- Preserve Equipment: Using a smaller vehicle for non-emergency transport and minor utility tasks stops unnecessary “wear and tear” on expensive, heavy-duty fire engines.
- Lower Emissions: The transition will significantly reduce Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) usage and related carbon emissions.
A key highlight of the proposal is its minimal impact on the county budget. If the grant is approved, no County Funds will be used for the purchase, registration, or ongoing upkeep of the vehicle. The department will cover the required $5,000 local match independently. The truck will be funded entirely through the federal grant and department resources.
The application for the EECBG program—which is administered through the Indiana Office of Energy Development—is due by April 1, 2026.
According to Valerie Luchauer, who presented the item to the commissioners, the department expects to hear back regarding the status of the award on September 26, 2026. If successful, the new 2027 model-year truck would likely join the Shawswick fleet shortly thereafter.
This initiative follows a broader trend in the fire service toward “zero-emission” transportation, with many departments across the state exploring electric options to improve indoor air quality at stations and reduce long-term maintenance overhead.
