AUSTIN, Texas (KLTV) - Fire departments in Franklin and Upshur counties earn federal grants to hire and train first responders.

According to a release from U.S. Senator John Cornyn's (R-TX) office, the Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that fire departments in East Texas were awarded grants totaling $710,547. According to the release, the Mt.

Vernon Fire Department was awarded $419,297 and the New Mountain Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $291,250.