The Holmen Fire Department will soon be replacing their old protective equipment thanks to a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The department is getting nearly 90-thousand dollars through the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
Fire departments across the nation can apply for grants through the program to better protect the public and their members.
Officials say it's about time the department gets funding for new protective gear.
"In our grant, what we were asking for is pretty much head-to-toe. It's going to be new helmet, new coat, new pants, new boots,” said Holmen Fire Department Assistant Chief Bill Bulawa.
The department's current Personal Protective Equipment is about 14 years old. The new gear will have better heat and fire protective fabrics.