The Midland Fire Protection District and three neighboring fire departments have been awarded a $638,400 Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
The grant will benefit fire departments in Midland, Edinburg, Mount Auburn and Moweaqua.
The funding will be used to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, along with a new SCBA fill station.
Fire officials say the equipment is critical to firefighter safety, particularly when crews are working in dangerous conditions involving fire, smoke and extreme heat.
SCBA equipment has an expected service life of about 15 years. Officials say the equipment used by all four departments is at or beyond that expected lifespan.
Over time, high-pressure cylinders can be exposed to extreme heat, while harness materials can deteriorate and hoses and O-rings can fail. The new equipment will meet current safety standards and provide firefighters with updated technology.
Officials say the regional partnership also strengthens the departments’ ability to work together during emergencies.
The departments credited First Due Consulting for its assistance in securing the grant.
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