(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.