The Marysville Fire District has been awarded a $55,000 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to fund the purchase of safety equipment.

The Assistance to Firefighter Grant program awards money to firefighters, emergency response personnel and first responders throughout the nation to enhance response capabilities and to more effectively protect the health and safety of first responders and the citizens in their communities. AFG grants provide resources for training, first responder health and safety programs, and response equipment and vehicles.

The grant money will be used to purchase an air compressor to fill Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) cylinders, a Respirator Fit Testing machine to conduct tests to ensure properly fitting face masks, and to pay for firefighter training.

Eighty percent of the money, or $44,000, will come from FEMA, the remaining 20 percent, or $11,000, will be the responsibility of MFD, according to department spokesperson Kristen Thorstenson.

"The purchase of the new equipment allows MFD to help keep your firefighters safer through improved technology and increased safety standards," said Thorstenson.

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