PENOBSCOT (AP) — A father and son are biking across the country to help an eastern Maine volunteer fire department raise money to buy a new tanker.

WCSH-TV reported (http://on.wcsh6.com/1GlQ0cv) Hugh Evans and Alex Turanski, volunteers at the Penobscot Fire Department, will travel 3,500 miles from California to Maine in the next six weeks to support the department.

They say they also hope to inspire people to join or support their local fire department.

The department currently owns a standard shift 1978 Mack fire truck that needs to be retired. Penobscot has already raised $100,000 for a new tanker, but still needs another $150,000.

Supporters should send checks to the Penobscot Fire Department or donate online on their “Fire Truck Bike Trip” GoFundMe site.