Fruitland fire district to make most of grant money

The Fruitland Fire Protection District recently was awarded a grant of $57,224 from the Assistance to Firefighters grant program administered by the Department of Homeland Security.

The fire department, which covers 110 square miles northeast of Jackson, will use the money to buy four new self-contained breathing apparatus.

The devices permit firefighters to breathe clean air during firefighting and rescue operations, said Capt. Andy Renner.

The district will also buy new protective gear, including coats, pants, gloves, liners, boots and helmets, for about half of its 25 firefighters, Renner said.

The grant will also allow the district to buy new technology such as a thermal imaging camera to detect hidden heat sources in walls and behind doors and to help during search and rescue operations.

This is the first grant Fruitland received through Homeland Security, although it has received grants from other sources, Renner said.

The Fruitland Fire Protection District is tax supported. The grant will augment the district's budget and allow it to buy more equipment than planned for this year.