Peabody Fire Department was notified recently that it received a volunteer fire assistance grant from Kansas Forest Service. The grant will cover half the cost of a $5,000 pump.

Grants are available annually to departments that serve rural areas and communities with a population of fewer than 10,000. Fire departments approved for funding must match at least 50 percent of the cost.

Fire Chief Mark Penner said Peabody firefighters were pleased to get the money.

“We have a good group of volunteers, and it is important that they have the right equipment in good working condition,” he said.