Eastgate Volunteer Fire Department leaders said they'll be able to expand their efforts to recruit and retain firefighters thanks to a large federal grant. U.S. Sens. Steve Daines and Jon Tester announced last week that the department located outside of East Helena had been selected to receive a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's SAFER program.
Eastgate VFD will receive up to $312,000 over the next four years. The money will be allotted to a number of programs for attracting new volunteers to the department and making sure those who join stay on the force.
Mergenthaler said they’ll use some of the grant money to advertise in the community about the department and about the need for more volunteers. The grant will also provide stipends for Eastgate firefighters to receive more training.
The department will also hire a coordinator to help them determine how the money should be used.