North Catasauqua Fire Chief Francis Hadik has reported the borough fire department recently received notice that a grant application has been approved.

The department is to receive $94,763 for the purchase of new air packs.

The grant will cover 95 percent of the cost of the new equipment.

Hadik said the fire company will cover the remaining 5 percent of the cost.

There will be no cost to borough taxpayers.

An air pack used by a firefighter is a self-contained breathing apparatus.

The air pack is carried on the firefighter's back, with a hose and mouthpiece leading to a facemask.

A new gear extractor washing machine, paid for with funding from another grant, was installed at the fire station in April.

Before its installation, firefighting gear – the coats, pants and other gear worn by firefighters – was taken to the washing machine at the Catasauqua Fire Department for cleaning.