Florala Fire and Rescue recently was awarded a $75,000 FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant.

The department will use the funds to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses (SCBA).

“Our current SCBA are getting older and in need of being replaced,” Fire Chief Jarred Martin said. “They must be inspected yearly, and we had two fail inspections this past year.”

Martin said 13 new SCBAs will replace all of the current outdated ones.

“The new ones will also greatly improve firefighter safety due to new standards for SCBAs,” he said. “All SCBAs now much have voice amplification so firefighters can be easily heard through their masks, multiple LED lights so the firefighter can be seen on the fire ground, and a buddy breathing system that allows one firefighter to access another firefighter’s tank if needed.”

Martin said the grant allows the department to greatly improve firefighter safety and performance.