(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
Walnut Township recall coming; Friday mtg erupts in arrest
Sabetha woman arrested in business burglary
Effingham teen facing child sex crimes charges
Severe storms move through NE KS
Rural Horton man charged in alleged beating
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township
Two Brown Co officers honored for their bravery
Severe storms reported Tuesday in NE KS
Atchison man nabbed for neighbor's 4 wheeler theft
Meriden man bound over on rape charge
KS prepares for severe weekend weather
Tornado damage surveyed in NE KS
Former AG Schmidt running for KS' 2nd Congressional District
Richardson County Deputies busy during special enforcement
Beef Barn replacement planned in Jefferson Co
NVCH receives $415,000 grant for expansion project
KS replacement plates see long wait times
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
LATEST STORIES
Commission takes action related to bridge project
Whiting woman pleads to theft of fire dept. funds
Two men arrested in Jackson Co for distribute of meth
Winning lottery ticket sold in Falls City about to expire
Trail rides ending at Indian Cave State Park
Atchison's BC names Educator of the Year
Document forgery alleged in ATCO's Walnut Township