South Whidbey Fire/EMS and Camano Fire & Rescue are splitting a $400,000 grant for radio improvements.

Commissioners from South Whidbey Fire/EMS voted to accept the grant at a special meeting Monday night.

The South End’s fire department will purchase equipment to improve radio coverage. Fire Chief Rusty Palmer said the new gear will simulcast the district’s primary frequencies, “which will improve the reliability of the system.”

The federal grant is part of the FEMA Assistance to Firefighters program. With the split funds, Palmer said, South Whidbey Fire/EMS can cover 90 percent of the project with grant funds.

“We are very fortunate to have the grant, as it is a very good bargain for our citizens,” Palmer said.