The Calera Fire Department recently received nearly $150,000 in federal help to purchase several pieces of life-saving equipment.

The grant was awarded by the Department of Homeland Security through its Assistance to Firefighters program.

Through the program, federal peer review panels study grant applicants and award funds to help departments meet their “firefighting and emergency needs,” according to a press release from U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus.

Calera firefighters will use the $148,986 grant to purchase heart monitors and a Jaws of Life extraction device. The grant will help replace decades-old equipment the department is currently using, said Calera Fire Department Health and Safety Coordinator Hugh Morrison.

“The heart monitors and extraction tool will be a great benefit to our department and the community,” Morrison said. “They will replace equipment that is more than 20 years old.

“This will provide a real boost for us, and we thank Congressman Bachus for his support,” Morrison added.

By replacing the outdated equipment, the grant will help the Calera department more efficiently respond to emergencies and save lives, Bachus said.

“Firefighters are on the front lines every day, protecting lives and saving property,” he said. “They deserve modern equipment and the best in safety gear.

“This grant program helps ensure that fire companies have the necessary resources to quickly and effectively respond to emergency calls,” Bachus added.