Fire departments receive millions in safety grants

Fire departments in Wisconsin, North Carolina and Michigan have received funding to upgrade safety equipment and expand training. Five departments in Lincoln County, Wisconsin, were awarded about $2.9 million from the Bierman Foundation, including nearly $1 million for Merrill to replace breathing apparatus used by firefighters. Greenville, North Carolina, received $478,789 through a federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant for EMS lifting equipment, medical suction units, fire hose and specialized training. In Michigan, Charlotte and St. Johns received federal grants: Charlotte’s share of more than $223,000 will replace aging hoses and other gear, while St. Johns will train 10 firefighters as EMTs to help ambulance crews.