New equipment that will look to help improve the Erie Fire Department is on the way after the city received several grants. The chief says now that the money is secured to bring in the equipment, it will change the future of the department. It’s technology to bring the Erie Fire Department up to speed. “These nine iPads that we were able to place in service with leverage data from the Erie County 911 Center directly to our fire apparatus in real time and it will also leverage data from the Erie Water Works to hydrant locations and main sizes.” said Captain Matt Costello. Another addition coming into the department is bail out kits and training, which looks to help secure the safety of the first responders. 77 self-contained breathing apparatus replacement units will also be purchased, along with an air compressor fill station for filling the cylinders.