The Kell Fire Protection District has announced it will be receiving a $25,680 “small equipment grant” from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshall.

The grant will go toward replacing all the districts self-contained breathing apparatus bottles, or air packs.

The remainder of the funds will be used to purchase turnout gear, pants, coats, and hoods.

Fire Chief Lonnie McDaneld says grants such as this enable smaller fire departments a chance to stay current with mandated standards.