SHELBY COUNTY, Alabama (WBRC) – Three volunteer fire departments can now purchase new breathing apparatus thanks to a grant of nearly $800,000.

Columbiana, Wilsonville and Kingdom Fire worked together to raise this money and life-saving equipment.

WBRC spoke with Columbiana Fire Chief Johnny Howard and Wilsonville Fire Chief Davy Edwards, who said their departments lacked the funding needed for this equipment and this grant made it all possible.

They worked together for several months to obtain the grant to support the fire department and thus cover the costs of the new breathing apparatus.

Each fire engine in a department requires a certain number, which depends on the number of seats in their fire trucks.

Wilsonville is set to get a new fire truck next year. The department received 22 new air tanks while Columbiana got 44, which was originally a budget item. Now the money can be used for other equipment needs.

“The equipment we receive through the grant is something we use on every call. It’s our most important PPV piece that protects our firefighters and keeps them healthy. And it allows us to actually immerse ourselves in the situations and focus on what we’re doing and do our jobs,” Howard said.

All three fire departments are to be equipped with this equipment within the next 2 to 3 months.

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