The Brevort Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $33,003 from the United States Department of Homeland Security Thursday, March 11, to purchase fire gear such as gloves, coats, and boots. The grant is part of $264,827 in firefighter assistance awarded throughout northern Michigan.

Fireman Billy Orr helped submit the grant, while Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Kasper wrote it.

“I'm glad we got this grant,” Mr. Orr said. “It's going to help out a lot.”

The volunteer fire department has been using the same fire equipment for at least 15 years, Mr. Orr said.

The grant should be enough to outfit the 17 firefighters serving at the department, Mr. Orr said. The volunteers are waiting for the money to be disbursed.