MARION — The Fire department will receive $12,261 in covid aid as part of the 2020 Assistance to Firefighters COVID-19 Supplemental Grant. 

The grant is part of $100 million in funding that was made available through the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Funds were allocated to assist fire departments, non-affiliated EMS organizations and state fire training academies in purchasing personal protective equipment to protect firefighters/EMTs and paramedics from contracting covid.

"Firefighters, EMTs and paramedics, like all frontline workers, are in a job that requires them to regularly interact with the public, even during a pandemic," Chief Jackvony said in a press release. "This grant will help us equip our firefighters and protect them as they continue to serve our community during these uncertain times. We are grateful for this generous award."

Funds from the grant may be used to purchase eye protection, single-use gloves, surgical face masks, respirators and other supplies to prevent, prepare for and respond to covid.

Additionally, Marion will match the grant award by 5%, bringing the total funding available to the fire department to $12,874.