Staff report
The Bostian Heights Volunteer Fire Department will be getting new equipment and providing physical examinations for firefighters courtesy of a federal grant.
U.S. Rep. Howard Coble, who represents the 6th Congressional District, announced this week that Bostian Heights will be getting $28,452 in funds from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security.
Mike Zimmerman, chief of Bostian Heights, said the funds will be used to buy five sets of turnout gear and 26 pagers.
The fire department will use part of the funds to launch a new program.
“We’re going to start physicals,” Zimmerman said. “All the departments need to do physicals.”
He noted that a lot of people, including volunteer firefighters, have problems they don’t know about.
The funds will provide physicals for 26 volunteers.
Bostian Heights applies for grants on a regular basis and has been fortunate to receive some grants, Zimmerman said.