The South Amherst Fire Department has received a $49,676 grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

According to a news release from Sen. Sherrod Brown, AFG grants target fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with hospitals to enhance their ability to protect the health and safety of the public and first-responder personnel.

The funds can be used for vehicle acquisition as well as operational and safety equipment updates.

Also receiving grants today were the Charlestown Volunteer Fire Department in Portage County, the Jackson Township Fire Department in Mahoning County, the Hiram Fire Department in Portage County and the Empire Volunteer Fire Department in Jefferson County.

According to FEMA, the Assistance to Firefighter Grants are used to help firefighters and other first responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources needed to protect public and emergency personnel from fire and related hazards. Since 2001, nearly $4 billion in grant money has been awarded to first responder organizations.