(MSC News)--Two area fire departments have been awarded grants through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program.
The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office has announced the first-ever recipients of the grant funds, which include Netawaka Rural Fire District #6 and the Waterville Fire Department.
The program, made possible with the 2016 budget passed by the Kansas Legislature and signed by Governor Sam Brownback, is aimed at assisting volunteer and part-time fire departments across the state with firefighter recruitment.
Grants issued through the program will cover the cost of safety gear for new firefighters, plus funds for the purchase of new washer-extractor machines used to clean bunker gear following a fire. Funds were also made available through the grant program for the creation of Junior Firefighter programs to attract youth volunteers into the fire service.
Netawaka Rural Fire District #6 will receive more than $6,600 for safety gear—including funding for a Junior Firefighter program.
The Waterville Fire Department will receive more than $5,800 for safety gear. In addition, the department will receiving funding for a new washer/extractor machine.
The State Fire Marshal’s Office was given approval to spend up to $200,000 through the program, and 41 fire departments submitted applications totaling more than $814,000.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton man killed in Jackson Co crash
Morrill pair arrested on drug, child endangerment charges
Cold case investigation leads to Holton warrant
Effingham owner regains truck following theft, arrest
Horton City Clerk's resignation accepted Monday
Local residents avoid injury in chain reaction crash
90 mph+ downburst winds blamed for Thursday damage
Wamego man sentenced in second fentanyl-related death
Mayetta pair arrested on meth, child endangerment charges
Stolen trailer, 4-wheeler, recovered in Atchison
Juveniles face charges following Atchison break-in
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
Atchison Co's Oswald named honorary bailiff for KS Court
Two arrested following Friday Jackson Co traffic stop
McLouth man injured in Monday wreck
No injuries in early Sunday morning house fire in Falls City
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Senator Slama on tax relief efforts
LATEST STORIES
Holton property search concludes with arrest
Former Kickapoo Tribal chairman arrested
Atchison company earns energy grant; upgrades planned
Winchester native named as Amberwell CEO
April is Alcohol Awareness Month in Nebraska
MoDOT to discuss Holt County bridge projects
Sheriff's Office to take part in drug take back event
Council hears report from golf course