The Edgerton Fire Protection District is going to be getting a little help with their youth program after a recent round of grant funding has been awarded.

Fire Chief Randall Pickering says it has been challenging finding funds for protective equipment for those in the program, so the $21,000 they are receiving will go towards providing student with properly fitting gear.

Pickering says due to COVID, they’ve had lower numbers in participation the last couple of years, but this year they already have five students interested.

Pickering says they’re partnering with Blackhawk Tech and MercyHealth to expand the program beyond firefighter certification and also into emergency medical certifications.

A total of $50,000 was given out to three programs as part of the Youth Firefighter Grant Program.