A local fire company received a grant of more than $86,000 through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

With the money, Pine Township Engine Co. will be able to buy 15 Self-Contained Breathing Air packs at about $3,000 each, some fire-fighting gear at about $1,200 a set, a hand-held thermal imaging unit for about $12,000 and a 100-foot-long lighted search rope.

"It's the biggest grant we've received," said Chief John Nicklin, adding that places like the local Wal-Mart have made donations of up to $1,000. "We're very pleased that we were rewarded the grant, though we appreciate all the grants we've received."

The grant comes through the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which is through the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the umbrella of Homeland Security.

According to Nicklin, the air packs will not only help the 28 firefighters when they go into burning buildings, but they could be used in hazardous environments as protection from such things as nerve agents.