PERU – It took four tries, but it finally came through.

Within the next few weeks, the Peru Fire Department will likely receive nearly $125,000 that will bring this small, all-volunteer fire department beyond federal safety standards.

“This is a big thing for us,” said Fire Chief Bill Hussey. “We’re ecstatic. We are a small town and no one gets paid on the Fire Department. This will bring the department up to and beyond current standards.”

The money comes from the Department of Homeland Security.

Hussey has been applying for the grant for four years. He and Assistant Chief Jerry Bragdon put their heads together in March, then had the application proofread by a grant expert before submitting it.

Now, selectmen must call a special town meeting for voter approval to appropriate the $13,000 local match required to get the grant.

Hussey said selectmen will likely discuss setting a special town meeting at their Monday board meeting. He said he expects they will recommend taking the matching funds from the town’s surplus.

Once residents approve the local match, Hussey said, the federal money will be released.

The department intends to purchased 24 sets of protective turnout gear, 14 self-contained breathing apparatuses, an exhaust system for the fire station that will remove diesel fumes from the bays and the upstairs meeting room, and a special laundering machine that is able to clean firefighting clothing.

Hussey, who is also the president of the Maine Fire Chiefs’ Association, said the Homeland Security grant, through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, is the only federal grant given to the towns for fire departments.

“We are very excited. All the firefighters in Peru are happy and proud to get this equipment, to keep our community safe,” he said.