Lawrence and Douglas County were among 72 first-responder agencies across Kansas to benefit from the Local Safety and Security Equipment program, which handed out $6.2 million in grants.

Douglas County’s Consolidated Fire District No. 1 and Lawrence-Douglas County Fire Medical received $53,505 and $119,430, respectively, together accounting for about $173,000, according to a news release Friday from Gov. Laura Kelly’s office.

The purpose of the grant program is to improve the accessibility and efficiency of emergency services. The funding provides equipment upgrades critical to emergency response; supports updated interoperability communications systems; and updates and replaces unsafe, damaged wildland firefighting equipment to meet national standards.

The funds, received through the Strengthening People And Revitalizing Kansas, or SPARK, program and funded by the federal American Rescue Plan, or ARPA, benefit law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services and 911 communications agencies across Kansas.

“It is critical that our first responders have the equipment necessary to protect and serve Kansans when an emergency arises,” Kelly said in the news release. “This funding will ensure agencies across the state have the resources needed to quickly and successfully deliver aid.”