ELKINS – City firefighters can breathe a little easier thanks to a $200,000 grant for new air packs.

U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., announced Tuesday the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department will receive $200,000 through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The funds will go toward operations and safety improvements at the station.

Chief Tom Meader said the funding will be used to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatus for each firefighter. This includes 30 units, each with an extra bottle.

The department's air packs haven't been upgraded for more than a decade. The fire department will pay about $10,000 toward the new packs, Meader said.

"We couldn't afford $200,000; that's for sure. It's an up-to-date system. They'll have better read-out screens, better LEDs where you can look through your mask and see all the information. It's right there in front of you," he said.

Capito said local fire departments play a crucial role in the community.

"The Elkins Volunteer Fire Department and its selfless firefighters play a critical role in keeping the Elkins community safe. They deserve the best training and equipment to effectively do their job, and this grant will help make that possible," she said.

Manchin said he was pleased to be able to help the department.

"The dedicated volunteers at our local fire departments are on the front lines of keeping our communities safe, and it's important they are fully prepared and supplied," said Manchin, who once worked with the volunteer rescue squad in Marion County. "These grants will provide the Elkins Volunteer Fire Department with essential resources to respond to all types of emergencies and continue to keep the citizens of Elkins safe."

FEMA's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program aims to help meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments. Through funding assistance, the program helps fire departments enhance their ability to protect both the public and first responders from fire and related hazards.