Mystic — Firefighters here will receive $2,664 to assist them in their response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency on Tuesday announced grants totaling $7.8 million for fire departments across the country, part of the agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant COVID-19 Supplemental program. The Mystic Fire District was the only one in the region to receive funds in this phase, though several other communities across the state also will receive some of the funds, FEMA said in the news release.

Additional phases soon will be announced, the agency said.

The grants are available through one of three FEMA programs that focus on enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards. Funds are provided directly to eligible fire departments, nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations and state training academies, and can be used to purchase personal protective equipment and other supplies needed to prevent, prepare for and respond to the public health emergency.