The Superior Express -

Mankato Volunteer Fire Department was one of 78 departments in Kansas awarded funding through the Kansas Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Grant (KSFRSG) Program administered by the office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The department was awarded $4,544.40 to be used for the purchase of fireman turnout gear.

This year, more than $1.3 million was requested by 79 departments for safety gear, washer-extractor machines and firefighter physicals. Departments received more than $350,000 to be used for safety gear, $45,000 for nine washer-extractor machines and $4,000 for firefighter physicals. Because of the high number of requests, OSFM will be requesting the 2024 Legislature continue funding this grant.

“Rural volunteer fire departments operate on a very small budget” said Brian Shulda, Mankato chief. “The annual costs to keep equipment in working condition often takes up most of the budgeted funds, which means we rarely have the ability to purchase personal protective equipment for our volunteer firemen. Grants and fundraising are generally the only way to keep our guys safely outfitted. We appreciate the office of the State Fire Marshal’s continuing effort to secure grant funds for our rural fire departments.”