(KNZA)--The Kansas Forestry Service has awarded a grant to the Hiawatha Fire Department for radios.

According to a press release, the Department was awarded nearly $5,000 through the Volunteer Fire Assistance Cooperative Fire Protection Program. The grant is 50/50 with the City of Hiawatha providing half the funds.

Two 800 MHz radios will be purchased, which will allow the HFD to communicate more effectively with local and state first response and public safety agencies who use 800 MHz radios.

Fire Chief Ryan Shockley noted “The radios will be an asset to the Department to stay up to date on calls, as no member of the Department utilizes 800 MHz radios”.

The grant was written by retired Fire Chief Gary Shear and Public Relations Officer Jordanne Shockley.

The Department and the City Commission would like to thank the Kansas Forestry Service for the grant.