Federal grant funds new gear for southern Indiana fire department

FLOYDS KNOBS, Ind. (WDRB) -- The Highlander Fire Protection District in southern Indiana recently received a federal grant of more than $146,000.

The grant was awarded by the Assistance to Firefighters Grant, a federal program created to help fire departments and emergency service organizations meet critical needs.

The district, which provides services for the Lafayette and Greenville Townships in Floyd County, used the money to buy new protective gear for all of its 43 firefighters. The equipment includes new helmets, jackets, pants, boots and gloves designed to offer maximum protection from heat, flames and falling debris.

The district posted the news about receiving the grant for $146,285.71 on its Facebook page in September.

"This grant is a crucial investment in the safety of our team," Fire Chief Jake Barnes said in the Facebook post. "The new gear will replace older equipment, ensuring our firefighters have the best protection possible. We are incredibly grateful for this funding, which will directly enhance our ability to serve and protect the residents of our district."

Highlander Fire spokesperson Sgt. Ryan Houchen said the new equipment will be put to good use.

"This department has changed very rapidly and that was part of the contribution to upgrade our gear, the rapid growth and we just hired a lot of firefighters here recently," he said.

The district also used some of the grant money to buy new gear for its EMS staff.

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