New Mexico State University Fire Department will be getting thousands of dollars in federal funding to help with hazardous materials situations.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has allocated $66,000 in funding for the university department.

University officials told KFOX they plan to purchase an infrared chemical organizer with the money. The equipment will help save time for firefighters to detect the chemicals, and will also help protect the lives of the responders.

"If we can't protect our responders when they go into a situation where there's some danger, then not only can they be taken out by what danger is there, but now they can't help whoever might be also involved, " said Capt. Chris Bencomo of the NMSU Fire Department.

The department is expected to purchase the equipment in several weeks.

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