ST. GEORGE – The Fire Department will upgrade its radio communication equipment thanks to a $13,000 federal grant.

Earlier this year, the St. George Fire Department prepared its application by stressing that an update of its communications was a priority, according St. George firefighter Jonathan Ward.

Knox County recently installed dispatching radios that use frequencies not compatible with St. George’s older equipment. Therefore, the grant money will be used to replace mobile radios, portable radios and personal pagers that will work with Knox County’s equipment.

The Knox County Emergency Management Agency has completed a communication needs assessment for area emergency services in conjunction with its own grant program. St. George’s grant means that the department can reduce the amount of equipment requested through the county, freeing funds for other agencies.

The money came from the federal Assistance to Firefighters grant program, which is administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.