The Venice Fire Department’s gotten a $311,000 grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant program to buy new radios with amplifiers that allow them to work inside hardened buildings, two thermal imaging cameras, and mobile data terminals. The P-25 compliant radios allow Venice firefighters to talk with other emergency responders throughout the state during a catastrophic event. The new cameras, which can help firefighters find people in heavy smoke, and radios are replacing outdated technology. Sen. Bill Nelson was instrumental in helping Venice bolster its emergency response equipment with this grant.