An Elkin area fire department recently was awarded more than $83,000 of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) money, as part of more than $1 million in assistance to firefighters grant money given to North Carolina fire departments.

Pleasant Hill Volunteer Fire Department Inc. of Elkin was awarded $83,528 for operations and safety needs, according to a release by FEMA.

“We know that training and equipment, when matched with the courage of individuals, can reduce risks and bring more of our men and women home each night,” said FEMA Regional Administrator Phil May.

Nationally, FEMA awarded more than $21 million last week as part of the grant program.

Other North Carolina fire departments that received funding from the grant includes Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Hubert, Asheboro Fire Department in Asheboro, Wade Community Fire Department in Wade, Drowning Creek Volunteer Fire Department in Hickory, Icard Township Fire Rescue Inc. in Hildebran, Lake Norman Icard Township Fire Rescue Inc. in Mooresville, the Cherokee Fire Department in Cherokee, Shiloh-Danieltown-Oakland Volunteer Fire Department in Forest City, and the Knightdale Public Safety Dept. Fire Division in Knightdale.

All of the grant awards will be used either for operations and safety or vehicle acquisition.