ADAMS TWP — The Callery Volunteer Fire Department has received a significant increase in the annual donation from the Adams Township supervisors, and fire officials voiced their appreciation Monday night.

Callery Fire Chief Mark Plumb told the supervisors Monday night that the increase from $78,000 last year to $122,000 this year will help the small department buy a new fire truck and more easily manage its ever-increasing operating costs.

Plumb and Callery fire department President Curt Huffman asked for the increase at the October supervisors meeting after reminding the board that Callery responds to all Adams Area Fire District calls except service calls.

“You heard our cry for additional funding, and you came through for us,” Plumb said Monday night. “Thank you.”

He said the department has ordered a new, $550,000 fire engine to replace the 2000 model it uses. The new engine should see about 20 years of use, Plumb said.

“But we’re not out of the woods,” he added.

The fire station is so small, Plumb said, that officers had to choose the fire truck they ordered based on whether it would fit into the station.

He said Callery’s rescue trucks also need to be replaced, and more volunteers are needed.

“We’re very concerned with recruitment and retention,” Plumb said. “People just aren’t volunteering like they used to.”

He said firefighters will continue all of the department’s traditional fundraising events.

Supervisors Chairman Donald Aiken said the board expects Callery to continue responding to all Adams Area Fire District calls since the donation was funded through local taxes.

Plumb assured Aiken that Callery will do so, and he again thanked the board for the increase.

Huffman in October told supervisors that Callery’s budget in 2013 was about $135,000.