The Harmony Fire District has been awarded more than $500,000 in federal grants to offset the costs of equipment purchases, training, and other expenditures necessary to running a volunteer fire department.

Of that, $467,950 came from FEMA’s “Staffing For Adequate Fire and Emergency Response”, or SAFER, grant. This money will go toward creating a stipend program, as well as boosting marketing, recruitment, and training programs.

“We have been attempting to secure a grant like this for several years, and we are excited to have the opportunity that we have in front of us,” wrote the Harmony Fire District in announcing the successful acquisition on its Facebook page Friday, Aug. 23.

Another $41,162 came from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program, and will be spent on replacing equipment such as hose lines and nozzles.

“Obtaining these funds ... is no simple task, but it is important to us so we can continue to offset the cost of doing business today,” wrote the district.