In Salem Lakes, grants have helped replace breathing apparatuses, purchase a washer-extractor to clean the fire gear and offset the cost of a generator and alarm systems, for example. But not every request is awarded.

The Salem Lakes, Bristol and Somers departments are all submitting grant applications for breathing apparatuses this year, which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Bristol is also seeking $95,000 for portable handheld radios and $670,000 for a new heavy rescue squad, described by Niederer as a “rolling toolbox” of technical equipment needed for extrication, HAZMAT and dive team calls. The existing squad is a 1991 model purchased used from Cedarburg in 2007.

Akron voters passed Issue 4 in November, levying an additional .25 percent income tax to improve roads and support police and fire services. The tax, which took effect Jan. 1., will bring in $13 million, or or 11 months' worth of taxes, in its first year. Going forward, the tax will generate an estimated $16 million over a full year. The city expects to break ground this year to replace Akron Fire Station #2 in theMiddlebury neighborhood.  The department's Engine #7 has the most miles and will be replaced at a cost of about $900,000. The department will is looking to purchase 275 sets of state-of-the-art gear so all firefighters have two sets. Some imagers will be replaced this year. With two allocated in the city's 2017 budget at about $7,000 each, the department is asking Akron City Council clearance to seek bids for three more, bringing the city's total to 14.

Old Orchard Beach Fire Department is purchasing more than a dozen new vests, worth about $24,000.

The vests are being paid for through a grant provided by national restaurant chain, "Firehouse Subs."