Biloxi Fire Department applies for grant to improve outreach program

After a meeting at City Hall on Monday, the Biloxi Fire Department has been approved to apply for a $2,500 grant from the Walmart Foundation.

If chosen for the grant, the fire department will use the funds to improve its outreach program to help improve mental health of the firefighters.

A few years ago, the department received a grant from Friends of Firefighters through Homeland Security, but did not include benefits for the outreach program.

This new grant would give the counselors the benefits to purchase new equipment, food, or other items to provide a more comfortable and helpful environment for the firefighters.  Biloxi Fire Assistant Chief Jason Davis said, “We want to make sure that they are in a good place mentally. So, therefore, with Friends and Firefighters and all of our other people that have come on board to be a part of what I think is being an advocate for their mental stability, this grant will really keep them well rounded and not only physically good, but also mentally.”

The department hopes to learn if they were awarded the grant by the end of the year.