Area Fire Fighters Get Grant Money

The Ideal Township and Aitkin fire departments will share in more than $1 million in federal grants for new equipment and training. The Ideal firefighters will receive $31 thousand; Aitkin, $23 thousand. The Park Rapids Fire Department will receive $184 thousand. In all, 11 communities in northeastern Minnesota will benefit.

The funding comes from the Department of Homeland Security.

Minnesota Congressman Jim Oberstar said First responders in Minnesota told him this is an important program. They use these grants to buy everything from new fire trucks and breathing gear to provide additional training.