Saline County Rural Fire District #3 has been awarded a $45,000 grant from the Gary Sinise Foundation, Fire Chief Scott Abker announced at Tuesday's Saline County Commission meeting.
During the August 19 meeting, Abker presented the grant approval to commissioners, explaining that the funds would be used to purchase hydraulic rescue tools, four sets of bunker gear, and three used portable radios.
"We're really proud of this opportunity," Abker told commissioners. "We have some folks on our department, as well as myself, that are constantly searching for opportunities to apply for grants."
Abker noted that Tyler Castile was "very instrumental" in applying for and securing the grant for the department.
The grant is fully funded with no matching requirement from the county, which means the equipment can be purchased at no cost to local taxpayers.
The commission unanimously approved the grant acceptance through Resolution 2025-113.
During the same meeting, commissioners also approved the purchase of a 1995 Freightliner pumper tanker for the Bavaria Fire Station to replace a 1977 model currently in service.
