MONROE, La. (AP) — The Monroe Fire Department is spending millions to add new fire trucks, better equipment and improve communication in hopes of keeping its Class 1 fire rating when recertification rolls around in 2016.

The News-Star reports (http://tnsne.ws/1nSmY4D ) the department plans to spend more than $3 million to purchase new safety equipment, two pumpers, one rescue truck, one aerial truck and establish a new communication center.