GRAND ISLAND/HASTINGS, Neb. -- Fire departments in central Nebraska are now better equipped.

According to a news release, Hastings Fire and Rescue personnel will have the latest in respiratory protection. The department will have 28 new self-contained breathing apparatuses and three new rapid intervention team packs in service. 

The department said some of the equipment that was being used was 20 years old. 

The new equipment cost $248,000, and $50,000 of that came from a federal HAZMAT grant while the rest came from the City of Hastings ARPA funds.

Similarly, the Grand Island Fire Department purchased 35 sets of bunker gear and 69 new fire helmets for shift personnel, according to a Facebook post. 

GIFD said this was thanks to the mayor, city council members and residents of Grand Island.