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101 sets of new PPE go to 24 Kan. FDs across 3 counties

Grant funding helped several fire departments replace old, outdated and missing gear for volunteer fire departments

TOPEKA, Kan. — Volunteer fire departments across Kansas are receiving new protective gear to enhance their safety and effectiveness.

The Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Office has distributed 101 sets of PPE bunker gear to 24 volunteer departments, including those in Hanover, Jackson County, Morris County and Washington County, WIBW reported.

According to the office, many volunteer fire departments in Kansas struggle with limited funding to replace outdated equipment, which significantly affects their ability to recruit and retain firefighters.

“Speaking with volunteer fire departments across the state this year, the common theme was the lack of quality gear. Often times gear is used, handed down, expired, or mixed gear put together and shared by multiple volunteers,” State Fire Marshal Mark Engholm said. “Our goal this year was to focus on the volunteer fire departments that were in need the most of replacing old, outdated and missing gear.”

Fiscal year 2025 Kansas volunteer firefighter grant award recipients:

  • Allen County Rural Volunteer Fire Department
  • Marion County Fire District #2
  • Belleville Fire Department
  • Moline Fire Department
  • Cawker City Fire Department
  • Morris County Fire District #13
  • Cheney Volunteer Fire Department
  • Mt. Pleasant Rural Fire Department #4
  • Clifton Fire Department
  • Nashville Fire Department
  • Delphos Rural & City Fire Department
  • Powhattan Fire Department
  • Ellinwood Fire Department
  • Randall Rural Fire Department
  • Galesburg Volunteer Fire Department
  • Sawyer Rural Fire District
  • Hanover Rural Fire District #10
  • South Haven Fire Department
  • Jackson County Rural Fire District #7
  • Sumner County Fire District #8
  • Jewell City & Rural Fire Department
  • Washington County Fire District #6
  • Lebanon Volunteer Fire Department
  • Washington County Rural Fire District #8

Looking to navigate the complexities of grants funding? Lexipol is your go-to resource for state-specific, fully-developed grants services that can help fund your needs. Find out more about our grants services here.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.