ROCKPORT — Rockport Fire Department and its newly formed Pacific Engine Company firefighters are in need of some equipment to better serve the town and they plan to hold a fundraising “Toll Booth” Friday, Aug. 8.

Drivers stopped at the light at the intersection of routes 17 and 90, between 2 and 6 p.m., will be greeted by firefighters, and have an opportunity to voluntarily drop money into a firefighter’s boot.

According to Fire Chief Jason Peasley, the department is in need of some equipment and tools to improve efficiencies and capabilities.

Peasley said that giving community members an option to donate to the department, to help cover the cost of replacing and acquiring new equipment, is in lieu of asking the town to add it to the department’s budget.

“You don't have to donate anything at the toll booth but it would be great if we could get everyone to help us fill the boot,” he said.

Money raised Friday will go toward purchasing new rescue equipment, a gear washing and drying system and a cascade air bottle refill station.

So far this year, Peasley has applied for and received $15,000 in grant monies. Those grants have paid for or helped pay for new portable radios for the trucks and pagers for the firefighters.

“Some radios were 14 years old,” said Peasley.

Anyone interested in making a donation can head to the toll booth Aug. 8 or mail a check to Rockport Fire Department, P.O. Box 142, Rockport, ME 04856, or drop it off at the fire station, adjacent to the town office, during customary business hours.