Grants boost fire department’s capabilities
Staff writer
A series of grants is helping Lincolnville Fire Department upgrade equipment, improve firefighter safety, and strengthen emergency response across Marion County.
In the past year, Lincolnville secured five grants totaling $39,093, fire chief Lester Kaiser said.
The money came from a Kansas Forest Service Volunteer Fire Assistance Grant, Atmos Energy, South Bow Energy, Tri County Telephone, and MFA Oil.
The process of securing grants varies but requires consistent effort, Kaiser said.
“Some grants are fairly straightforward, while others require significant time, research, and detailed applications,” he said. “For a small rural department, it takes dedication to stay on top of those opportunities, but the benefits make it worthwhile.”
The funding has allowed the department to purchase two radio headset systems for brush trucks, two vehicle-mounted thermal imagers, a handheld thermal imaging camera, wildland firefighting tools, and three sets of structural personal protective equipment.
The upgrades directly improve both safety and effectiveness on the fireground, Kaiser said.
“The headset systems improve communication during wildland responses while also protecting firefighters’ hearing,” he said. “The thermal imaging equipment enhances situational awareness and helps us locate fires and victims more quickly.”
New tools and updated bunker gear also ensure firefighters are better equipped for both wildland and structure fires, he said.
While residents may not always see the equipment itself, Kaiser said they will benefit from a stronger response, especially during grass fire season, when quick communication and situational awareness are critical.
“They’ll have a better-equipped and safer fire department that can respond more effectively and efficiently to emergencies,” he said.
The improvements also translate to better decision-making in high-pressure situations.
“These upgrades allow our firefighters to operate more safely, communicate more effectively, and make quicker decisions on scene,” he said.
Much of the department’s success in securing funding comes from collaboration.
“Within the department, members help identify needs and share information about grant opportunities,” Kaiser said. “We also benefit from strong partnerships with organizations and businesses that support departments like ours.”
The effort reflects the broader community.
“It shows that this is a community that values teamwork and service,” Kaiser said.
The grants could open the door to additional improvements.
“Some grants can be combined to support larger projects,” Kaiser said. “We’re continuing to explore opportunities, especially in areas like firefighter safety and operational efficiency.”
The upgrades also will benefit neighboring departments through mutual aid.
“When we respond together, everyone benefits from having better tools, improved communication, and enhanced situational awareness,” Kaiser said.