(KNZA)--Several local volunteer fire departments are among 70 departments across the Kansas that have been awarded grants from the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The grants are through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant Program.

Locally, the Centralia Fire Department was awarded the largest grant in the amount of nearly $11,000.

Jefferson County Fire District #5 was awarded a $9,000 grant; Potawatomie County Fire District #5, nearly $6,600;  Netawaka Fire District #6, just over $4,000; Jefferson County Fire District #3, just over $3,900 and Nemaha County Rural Fire District #2, nearly $3,900.

The Marysville Fire Department, Jackson County Rural Fire District #1 in Mayetta, McLouth Fire Department and Fire District #1 in Leavenworth County will each receive $3,500 grants.

In addition, Marshall County Rural Fire District #7 will receive a $2,500 grant.

According to a press release from the state Fire Marshal’s Office, the grant awards will be used for the purchase of safety gear, washer/extractor machines for cleaning bunker gear, start-up of Junior Firefighter programs and physical costs for firefighters with no insurance or ability to be reimbursed by their department.