HARMONY — The Harmony Fire District was given reason to toot its own horn Thursday.

Firefighters learned this week that the district is receiving a $210,329 Assistance to Firefighters Grant through FEMA, according to the FEMA website.

“This is fantastic,” said Kevin Behun, third lieutenant and engineer. “It’s a big burden off our shoulders.”

The money will specifically be used to replace the district’s self-contained breathing apparatus. Several of HFD’s estimated 44 SCBAs are nearing the end of their life span, according to Behun.

“While our units are still good ... they’re out of date,” Behun said. “We’re looking to replace all of them.”

The SCBAs go through regular maintenance, but HFD has already needed to replace a few. The district was facing the prospect of replacing all of them on its own dime.

The grant will cover the cost of new SCBAs, complete with all the proper “bells and whistles.”

Behun said it’s the biggest grant HFD has received in a long time. FEMA funding helps with large-scale needs. The district began the process of pursuing the grant in 2018.

“This is what we consider to be the biggest ... pot to pull from,” Behun said.

The next step for the district is to review purchase opportunities. There’s no definite time line, but Behun hopes to have new SCBAs by the end of the year.

HFD has 60 active volunteers and serves the communities of Harmony, Jackson, Lancaster and Zelienople.

FEMA’s official list of AFG winners can be found online at www.fema.gov.