CEDAR RAPIDS — The Fire Department here has received a grant for $397,144 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to install a communications network that connects the city’s new Central Fire Station with the city’s eight district fire stations.

The network will improve efficiency, reduce training expenses and enable firefighters in district stations to stay in their respective fire districts for some training and meetings without having to come to a central location, the Fire Department said.

The system will feature a media center in each facility with the new equipment expected to be purchased and in place in the next several months.