U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers announced last week that Friendship Volunteer Fire Department would receive a $68,000 grant through the 2014 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program to fund the purchase of new safety equipment. Friendship Fire President Alex Thompson said the department is beginning the bid process to purchase the pack and expects to have them available for use in the coming months.

Friendship Fire is also holding its annual Open House and Fire Prevention Day on Saturday, Sept. 5 from noon-3 p.m. at its station on US 411 in Springville. For more, contact the department at (205) 629-7674.