The Sanford Volunteer Fire Department recently received a $62,000 FEMA grant for personal protective equipment.

Fire Chief James Adams said the funds were used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatus for 10 volunteers, and additional cylinders.

“The equipment we bought with the grant will help us to better serve the community,” Adams said, “Better equipment means a better fire department.”

At present, the department has nine volunteer firefighters.

The competitive FEMA grants are awarded annually to fire departments, state fire training activities, and emergency medical service organizations.

The only other awarded fire department in the county in 2017 was Onycha Volunteer Fire Department, which received $149,000 for vehicle acquisition.