Eight fire departments to receive FEMA grants

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is awarding more than a half-million dollars to eight fire departments in Iowa through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Among the recipients, the Jewell Fire Department in central Iowa’s Hamilton County is getting 32-thousand dollars. Rusty Hockman is that community’s fire chief. He says they’ll replace all of their protective equipment, from boots to helmets. He says none of their gear meets up to standards.Fire Operations and Fire Safety grants are also being awarded to Anamosa, Allerton, Dunkerton, Cylinder, Hawkeye, Primghar and Waucoma. The money can be used to train firefighters, establish wellness and fitness programs for firefighters, and purchase firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment. The grants total 503-thousand dollars.