Williamston Fire/Rescue/EMS in Martin County will receive a $917,833 grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. The funding will help firefighters and first responders obtain critically needed communications equipment, protective gear, training and other resources, according to a news release from U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan’s office.

“I am so pleased that Williamston was selected to receive this critical AFG funding,” Hagan said in the release. “During a time when communities across the state are struggling with limited budgets, this grant will help ensure that our brave firefighters and first responders in Williamston have the tools and resources they need to protect our families and stay safe on the job.”

“On behalf of all the fire, rescue and EMS departments in Martin County, I would like to thank Sen. Hagan for the wonderful news of the announcement regarding the award of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant,” said Williamston fire/rescue/EMS Chief James B. Peele. “This grant will allow the interoperability of all public safety agencies in the county as well as adjoining out-of-county mutual-aid departments. This will be a great enhancement to our overall county communications system and we are grateful for the award.”

The AFG program awards grants directly to fire departments and EMS organizations that are unaffiliated with a hospital to enhance their response capabilities and more effectively protect the health and safety of the public and emergency-response personnel with respect to fire and all other hazards.