Eastside Fire & Rescue got an extra boon this week.

The department’s Board of Directors approved the acceptance of a $15,000 grant from the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company.

Deputy Chief of Operations Jeff Griffin said the department had applied for the grant a while ago but only recently received the good news, after they had given up on the funding.

Not only did they find out recently that their request had been approved, but that they the department would receive $15,000, rather than the $10,000 officials had applied for.

The grant will be used to buy a thermal image camera (TIC), which can be used to aid firefighters in locating victims in a fire as well for measuring the integrity of the structure. The TICs run about $9,600 each. The remaining funds will be used to purchase three Evacuation Stair Chairs that will help firefighters in moving patients down stairs without carrying or lifting.

“This is a great add-on for the agency,” Griffin said.

EF&R will receive the check at the annual “Fireman’s Fund Agency Appreciation Day” at 5 p.m. on Aug. 21 at Emerald Downs.