EDGINGTON - A local firm's donation will help Andalusia's volunteer firefighters warm up their trucks more safely during cold winter months.

Monoxivent, a subsidiary of Rock Island-based Crawford Co., donated an AX-SR Static Spring Release System to the Andalusia Fire Protection District in December.

The company has been tweaking the product ever since and plans to have it on display at its first major trade show this weekend in Harrisburg, Pa.

"They were looking to fill a void and we were looking to get a first installation and to test everything else," said Crawford spokesman Ian Frink.

Exhaust systems vent diesel fumes from trucks being warmed inside fire station garages.  While they've been used for years, Crawford's version is more affordable for smaller departments.

The new basic system costs about $3000 to $3500 installed, said company vice president James Maynard, as opposed to a higher-tech pneumatic track system that can cost double that figure.  A pneumatic system is a little more high tech.

"It's coming to the point where any new station is going to need something like this," said Andalusia Fire Chief Gary Bower, who noted the system was installed at the Edgington station  because it is newer and has a new truck.

Mr. Maynard said the system captures 100 percent of the exhaust and is designed for "owner installation."  He said that allows smaller fire departments to add on when money allows.

Andalusia Mayor Larry Flaherty, who also works for Crawford, admired cooperation between the company and the fire department.

"It's just a good example of the public and private sectors working together," he said.