The Washington Township Fire Department was recently awarded $33,637 from the Division of Emergency Medical Services as part of a supplemental grant program.

On Monday, the department was presented with a check to assist the department in purchasing different types of equipment, as well as partaking in various training. The equipment and training include 12 lead heart monitors, power stretchers, personnel training and CPR-assisting devices, according to a release from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

Washington Township is using the funding to purchase an electrocardiogram (EKG), as well as the associated components that go with the equipment.

“We are pleased to provide this funding to the Washington Township Fire Department,” Mel House, the Division of EMS Executive Director, said. “Supporting our local agencies is a priority to ensure the safety of our communities.”

This is the third year the Division of Emergency Medical Services’ Supplemental Grant Program. The program aims to assist Ohio EMS entities with purchasing more expensive equipment and training for emergency personnel.

“Well, I’m very excited about it and (it’s) great that we were fortunate enough to receive the grant,” Fire Chief Gene Hanning said. “It will definitely make a big impact on our department and the way we do patient care.”

Typically, Hanning said an EKG costs about $30,000 or more.

“I think they were very generous in giving that much money to be able to afford us the liberty to buy a new EKG,” he said.

The department will be doing training for the new equipment in-house as Hanning said there are personnel that currently work for the department who are able to train the staff.

The Washington Township Fire Department has an opening for a full-time firefighter/EMT. Anyone interested in the paid position can contact the fire department’s duty phone at 740.487.8081, reach out through their Facebook Page or stop in to pick-up an application.

Hanning said a part-time position is also possible if applicants are unable to do full-time.

The Washington Township firehouse is located at 2310 Adamsville Rd. in Zanesville.