The Lebanon Fire District was recently notified by

the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) that it will receive a grant of $248,130 from the Assistance to Firefighters program. The district is required to put up a 10 percent match of $24,130.

The grant funds will allow the district to replace firefighters personal protective gear, such as coats, pants, boots, gloves and protective hoods. In addition, each firefighter will be issued a high performance flashlight to attach to his or her coat.

Standardizing the gear improves personal protection.

&#8220This acquisition of new gear will allow us to put everyone in the same level of protection," said Chief Perry Palmer. &#8220Currently we have a mix of gear. This gear will be built to modern standards of ergonomics and safety. The weight will be reduced and movement much easier which will reduce stress, fatigue and injuries."

Another portion of the grant will pay for installing diesel exhaust systems in all stations.

&#8220Virtually all of our vehicles are diesel powered and they give off a lot of exhaust that is not healthy and is a known carcinogen," Palmer said. &#8220The units, when installed, will extract the fumes and particulate from the air to be at or below all of the recommended standards."

&#8220The overall effect of the purchases from this grant is better safety and health for our people, who we ask to risk their lives at a moments notice," he said.

The is the third Assistance to Firefighters grant received by the Lebanon district in the last four years. The grants total about $703,000.