NORWAY – The Norway Fire Department has received a $90,000 grant as part of the federal Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.

The money is part of $1.2 million in grants awarded this week to Norway and eight other Maine fire departments by the Department of Homeland Security.

This is the first time Norway has applied for help under the Assistance to Firefighter Grant Program, or FIRE Act. Since June 2003, more than 8,600 fire departments nationwide have received more than $693 million from the program to support their role as first responders in fire emergencies.

Fire Chief Mike Mann said part of the money will be used to install an exhaust system in the Fire Station so firefighters are not hurt by noxious diesel fumes from the firetrucks.

The remaining funds will be used to buy safety equipment, both individual firefighter gear and gear that will be used on trucks, Mann said.

Area towns that have received grant money from this fund include Harrison, $49,581; Fryeburg, $47,925; Bethel, 86,040; Paris, $44,874; Sweden, $50,761; Canton, $50,046; Bridgton, $116,920; Waterford, $172,800; Otisfield, $53,707; Mechanic Falls, $63,768; and Stoneham, $134,550.