Hardin County gets largest of 13 FEMA fire grants

March 8– The Hardin County Fire Department has received a $211,474 federal grant, county Fire Chief Melvin Martin said.

The grant, which also requires a local match of 5 percent or about $10,574, will be used to buy equipment.

Martin said items on the purchase list include turnout gear, pagers, two-way radios, hoses, nozzles, pagers and compressor system to refill air tanks firefighters carry on their backs to breathe safely in smoky environments.

"We got it. We’re excited," he said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency announced grants totaling $980,691 to 13 Tennessee fire departments.

Hardin County’s grant is by far the largest, followed by a grant of $121,192 to the Alcoa Fire Department. The smallest grant, $30,847, was awarded to the Maynardville Volunteer Fire Department.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by FEMA, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security.

The grants enable local fire departments and emergency medical services organizations to purchase or receive training, conduct first responder health and safety programs, and buy equipment and response vehicles.