Retiring Congressman Spencer Bachus (R-Vestavia Hills) has announced a grant award to help the Kimberly Fire Department recover from the April tornado that destroyed its firehouse.

According to a statement issued by Bachus’ office, the grant for $50,825 is from the Assistance for Firefighters Grant program, as intended to pay for 20 sets of turnout gear — helmets, coats, pants, boots and such — to replace materials lost in the tornado. The grant program is administered by the federal Department for Homeland Security.

The grant was actually applied for before the tornado hit on April 28, according to Fire Chief Brian Gober.

“The Kimberly Fire Department has been through a lot since the destructive tornado in April, but its members remain committed to serving their community. That is the spirit we see and admire in those who serve to protect the safety of our citizens.This grant will help provide the fire department with the resources necessary to rebuild and provide the highest level of emergency service,” Bachus said in the statement.

The Kimberly Fire Department is currently operating out of a trailer next to the site of the destroyed station, and has received donated or loaned equipment for firefighting and communications.

Bachus is stepping down at the end of his current term of office, which will be his 11th in the House of Representatives. Gary Palmer, the founder of the Alabama Policy Institute conservative think tank, defeated state Rep. Paul DeMarco on Tuesday in a Republican primary runoff election. Palmer is heavily-favored to win the general election in November against Democratic and Libertarian opponents.