The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority Fire Department has received $10,920 from the Fireman's Fund Insurance Heritage Grant program to purchase turnout gear for personnel at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Turnout gear is the protective clothing including helmets, pants, jackets, hoods, gloves and boots worn by firefighters to keep them safe in extreme heat. A complete set costs approximately $2,200 and can be worn eight to nine years, according to Charles Everett, Executive Director of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

"The new fire gear will enhance the safety of our firefighters and is fully compliant with National Fire Protection Association standards," said Everett.

"The grant will allow the airport fire department to upgrade equipment that better enables the firefighters to respond to emergency situations. We are grateful for the support from the Fireman's Fund," said Tony Iannelli, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority.

The process for applying for this particular grant began approximately three years ago.