LEWISTON – The Lewiston Fire Department will receive more than $167,000 as part of a federal grant to enhance operations and firefighter safety. The homeland security grant is the largest being handed out in Maine at this time.

In all, seven communities in this state will get grants as part of the ongoing program to keep fire departments prepared for major catastrophes.

“Putting these funds directly into fire departments across the country has enabled our first responders to receive the training and equipment necessary to save lives and property when threatened by a hazard,” said Michael D. Brown, undersecretary of homeland security for homeland preparedness and response.

In all, 484 grants were handed out to fire departments around the country last week in the 27th round of the 2003 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.

The money is earmarked for fire departments to buy equipment, fund health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services and conduct fire prevention programs. Since June, nearly 7,300 fire departments have received more than $564 million.

Lewiston fire officials were not sure yet what they will do with the money.

Other Maine fire departments that received grant awards are:

• Byron Volunteer Fire Department: $135,000;

• St. George Fire Department: $13,004;

• Manchester Fire Department: $39,105;

• Monson Volunteer Fire Department: $81,944;

• Pittsfield Fire Department: $80,431 and

• Smithfield Volunteer Fire Department: $27,450.