The DeKalb Fire Department is set to put a little bling-bling into its new ride, thanks, in part, to a federal grant.

The grant, as part of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, will award the department $96,805. The department plans on using the money to purchase equipment for a new rapid intervention vehicle, Fire Chief Lanny Russell said.

Items to be purchased include new air packs and portable radios for the vehicle.

“Everything is going to make the vehicle safer,” Russell said.

The new intervention vehicle was purchased last year with a similar $300,000 grant. The vehicle is set to arrive this summer and will replace the department’s current intervention vehicle, which Russell said “has seen its better days.”

“It’s being custom-built,” said Russell, of the vehicle. “It will help us keep current with technology.”

The vehicle will resemble a traditional fire engine, but lacks water or rescue ladders, said Bruce Harrison, assistant chief of operations. However, the vehicle will have more sophisticated equipment on board to better respond to non-fire emergencies, including traffic accidents and structure collapses.

Lt. Eric Hicks, who was one of 10 members on the committee responsible for designing the vehicle, said it will be the first vehicle the department has had with 100 percent new equipment.

DeKalb was one of 7,000 departments nationwide to receive funding from the grant program, which is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Nationwide, more than $750 million in grants were awarded.

The program is great, Russell said, adding that it benefits more than just the fire departments.

Being able to receive money without having to tax residents is an advantage, especially during times when many municipalities have to raise taxes to cover other costs, Russell said.