LUMBERTON — The Deep Branch Volunteer Fire Department has been awarded a $17,480 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters grant program

The awards money to strengthen fire department’s operations and improve its emergency response equipment. The announcement was made in a statement through Sen. Kay Hagan’s office.

“This grant will help keep residents in Lumberton safe,” Hagan said in the statement. “Our first responders deserve the tools and resources they need to get the job done. “

The program helps fire departments purchase training and equipment for its firefighters and emergency response personnel, the statement said.

“We’re excited to get the grant to buy new rescue equipment to help with us with incidents like vehicle accidents,” said Chief Justin Hunt of the Deep Branch Fire Department.

The grant program was established in 2001.