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 physical...