Ohio fire department gets grant for equipment

By Kristin McAllister
The Dayton Daily News

MORAINE, Ohio — The Moraine Fire Division is the recipient of a $43,237 grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters program.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown on Wednesday, Feb. 9, announced that Moraine would receive part of the $392,837 total awarded to three southwest Ohio fire departments.

Moraine Fire Chief Anthony Trick said his department received word of the award on earlier this month.

"We're really happy about it," he said of his 42-member department combined of full- and part-time employees.

"Especially, in the economic situation now, this greatly helps us maintain good gear for our firefighters, and it increases the morale and provides a safer environment for our firefighters," he said.

Trick said the department applied for the grant last July and plans to use the money to buy 27 new helmets, 44 sets of gloves and about 18 sets of fire coats and fire pants.

Wayne Twp. Fire and Rescue in Clermont County and Gratis Volunteer Fire Department in Preble County were the other two grant recipients announced Feb. 9.

The awards are given to departments and EMS organizations not directly affiliated with a hospital in an effort to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

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