Oklahoma in line for homeland security grants

(Tulsa-AP) -- Some Oklahoma fire and police departments will get new equipment to fight biological or chemical attacks. <br><br>Oklahoma's interim homeland security director, Bob Ricks, says more than

Thursday, April 24th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Some Oklahoma fire and police departments will get new equipment to fight biological or chemical attacks.

Oklahoma's interim homeland security director, Bob Ricks, says more than $600,000 will go to 15 municipal departments next week.

The money will be used for chemical and biological sensors, protective suits and respirators. They'll be used by emergency workers who would be first on the scene of an attack.

The departments getting the federal grants are already certified in handling hazardous materials.

Ricks says the state has also applied for another $600,000 in grants. He says that money would go to Oklahoma City and Tulsa and could be spent on a wider range of homeland security needs.