Federal grant to help fund sprinkler system for Brainerd fire hall

The Brainerd Fire Department will use a $19,473 federal grant to install a sprinkler system at the fire hall.

Mark Turner, a fire equipment operator, said the fire hall's size was such that a sprinkler system was not required when it was built.

Rep. Jim Oberstar, D-Minn., said the Brainerd department was one of 19 fire departments to receive funding from the Department of Homeland Security's Aid to Firefighters Grant Program.

The Pine River Fire Department received $32,372 in grant money. Chief Keith Farnam said the money would be used for a thermal imaging camera, which senses variations of temperature in smoke-filled rooms; gas monitors; and 27 voice pagers.