MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Fire Department has been awarded a $55,000 grant to pay for operational equipment.

Funds come from the FEMA Assistance to Firefighter Grant, which awards fire districts and personnel money to enhance response capabilities and more effectively protect the health and safety of first responders and citizens in their communities, said Kristen Thorstenson, public information officer for the department.

The grant can provide resources for training, health and safety programs, equipment and vehicles.

Thorstenson said the FEMA grant will be used to purchase an air compressor to fill self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders, a respirator fit testing machine that ensures firefighters’ masks fit properly and firefighter training.

Eighty percent — or $44,000 — will come from FEMA, while the remaining $11,000 will come from the Marysville Fire District.

“The purchase of the new equipment is to allow MFD to help keep your firefighters safer through improved technology and increased safety standards,” Thorstenson said.