After receiving funding from the Assistance to Firefighters Grants Program, six local fire departments will receive a total of $1,132,922.44 in federal funding to improve firefighter safety.
Senator Susan Collins signed off on the grant, stating that firefighters "selflessly put their lives on the line to serve their towns and cities."
Portland, Auburn, Kennebunk, Waterville, and Belfast fire departments received grants. Wesley Volunteer Fire Department also received funding.
Each department plans to use the funding differently. Kennebunk Fire and Rescue received $569,978.09 to purchase new firefighter breathing apparatuses and RIT packs. Belfast Fire received $310,952.38 to purchase new firefighter breathing apparatuses, RIT Packs, and power lift systems.
Auburn Fire was granted $123,513.63 to purchase new firefighting hoses and nozzles.
WCSH-TV NBC 6 Portland
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VIDEO: This summer, thousands of beachgoers have visited the 7 miles of Saco Bay's sandy shore, but in some spots, they're meeting an increased danger.
"It's definitely a different beach from a year ago," Old Orchard Beach motel owner J.J. Mokarzel said.
Each week, Old Orchard Beach Fire Chief John Gilboy says emergency calls are pouring in for water rescues at Old Orchard Beach.
"We had three kids get ripped out in riptides over here," Old Orchard Beach Fire and Rescue Captain Normand Gendron said.
Some watching the shore believe it's no coincidence that the tides are changing.
"On Father's Day we had 11 lifeguards and 11 water rescues. At one point they had five people in the water in distress at one time," Gilboy said.
"If you look at the pier tower, we're running a yellow flag. That's a warning flag," Old Orchard Beach Lifeguard Captain Keith Willett said.
WGME-TV CBS 13 Portland
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