DUSON, La. (KLFY) -- The Duson Volunteer Fire Department will soon be getting 25 new sets of turn-out gear, thanks to the roughly $93,000 in grant funds it was recently awarded.

The fire department said in a news release that it was awarded a little more than $93,000 in FEMA grant funds from the Assistance to Fire Fighters Grant.

Turn-out gear includes fire helmets, gloves, pants, jackets and boots.

Duson Fire Chief Coby Duhon said the new gear will provide the "much needed" up-to-date protection for its firefighters.

"It is always a great day when first responders receive the support of the local and federal partners to ensure our safety. With a decrease in funding from the parish and the community we serve, it is critical that the fire departments have access to federal funds for upgraded equipment as all this gear has an expiration date," Duhon said in the news release.

The fire chief said the department applied for the grant in February and was notified in mid-August that it was named the recipient of the funds.

The department is expected to purchase the new equipment this month.

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