PIERRE, S.D.(KMIT)- It was recently announced that South Dakota volunteer fire departments will receive $5 million in grant funding.  State Fire Marshal Paul Merriman explains what kind of equipment will be purchased with the grant money.

Merriman talks about the importance and role of volunteer fire departments.

Grants ranged from 700 dollars to 40,000 dollars.  Merriman explains how the money was disbursed.

The grant money was appropriated by the South Dakota Legislature and was approved by Governor Kristi Noem during the last legislative session.