The Hot Springs Fire Department has been awarded a federal grant to improve the physical fitness of its firefighters and is hopeful for receipt of another that will benefit their respiratory health.
The Hot Springs Board of Directors adopted resolutions earlier this month allowing the department to accept a grant to purchase new exercise equipment and apply for another to help ventilate the apparatus bays of the department's five stations.
The department has been authorized to accept a Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Health and Wellness Grant of up to $28,000 for equipment to outfit the Central Station's weight room. Fire Chief Ed Davis said bids are about to be let for the equipment, which will include a rowing machine, two elliptical machines, a stair climber, free weights, bench and multi-rack system.