Local fire departments and emergency service departments will receive grants to assist with extra expenses due to the Covid-19 pandemic. These grants were announced by State Representative Bud Cook of the 49th district. $50 million was made available through the Office of the State Fire Commissioner and are part of the federal CARES Act. These funds are to be used to supplement operational expenses due to the inability to conduct fund raising activities and other revenue generating activities due to the pandemic. Twenty five departments throughout Washington and Fayette counties were awarded grants.