The Oxford Volunteer Fire Department now will have the money to buy new equipment and improve its services after receiving a federal grant totaling more than $80,000.

Fire Chief Mike Hora said some of the new equipment includes an air compressor and other equipment, 15 new pagers, gear for their bunks, coats, pants, cutter-spreader rescue tools and face pieces for all 24 of its firefighters.

Firefighters had been sharing each other's face pieces.

"We were falling behind in times," Hora said.

In the past, the department had to borrow equipment from surrounding area departments. Now, Hora said he wants to return the favor.

"Now we can help everyone else," he said.

About 105 people live in Oxford. Additionally, the department also serves Hardin Township and a portion of Iowa Township.

Oxford was one of seven Iowa fire departments to receive the grant, which was announced Friday by the office of U.S. Rep. Jim Leach, R-Iowa. Seven grants totaling more than $350,000 have been distributed to other departments around the state, with Oxford's being the largest.

Leach said the grant is a symbol of an American tradition.

"Probably the most appreciated volunteer service in the state of Iowa relates to small town fire protection," Leach said in a news release.

Oxford Mayor Don Saxton was elated.

"It just doesn't get any better than that," Saxton said. "I'm very pleased with the department because they work hard."

Oxford had been trying for the past three years to get the grant.

"It just goes to show that if you persevere, you succeed," Saxton said.

Hora and Assistant Fire Chief Jim Hennes wrote the grant application.