Denver firefighters will receive heart scans through a $50,000 grant from IMA Financial Group and Fireman's Fund Insurance Company.

Mayor John Hickenlooper, Fire Chief Larry Trujillo, and representatives of the sponsors will be on hand this morning for a special presentation to accept the grant and the first firefighters will receive heart scans.

Nearly 40 percent of firefighters who die on duty are killed by heart attacks, but the Denver Fire Department stopped paying for annual physicals for firefighters and other rescue personnel in budget cuts.

"Because of the intense physical demands on firefighters, it's important they stay in top shape and maintain their own health," said Trujillo. "This is a major step forward in preventing heart disease and possibly saving many lives. Without the grant money, it would be nearly impossible to pay for heart scans for our entire department."

Under the grant, all 890 Denver firefighters will receive the heart scans.