Two Area Fire Departments Receive Grants

Two area fire departments will see a share of $426,000 in grants aimed at protecting firefighters from carcinogens and other health hazards.

The Village of Hebron in Licking County will receive $4,000 for the purchase of 30 hoods and gloves, while the Village of Crooksville will see $9,450 for the purchase of one extractor and ten hoods with barrier protection.

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation said the funding is provided under the bureau’s firefighter exposure to environmental elements grant program.

Office said residue that collects on firefighters’ gear during a blaze can cause respiratory disease, cancer and other ailments.

The bureau said it’s important that firefighters wear appropriate protective gear and that it be properly cleaned.