Post by radicalron on Mar 5, 2010 19:12:30 GMT -5
Five fire departments secure federal funds
By Vicki Terwilliger (Staff Writer vicki-t@citizenstandard.com)
Published: March 5, 2010
VALLEY VIEW - Five fire departments in western Schuylkill County received federal funds Monday to boost their preparedness in the event of an emergency.
U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17, delivered checks totaling more than $178,000 to the volunteer squads.
The federal grants were awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. It awards grants directly to fire departments.
The funds will be used to make new equipment purchases, as well as replace outdated or worn-out equipment.
The Valley View Fire Department will use the $47,733 awarded to buy 25 sets of new turnout gear, replacing old protective clothing that is nearly 15 years old, according to Fire Chief Darren Herb. The funds will allow the department to purchase 25 coats, 25 pants, 30 pair of boots, five helmets, 30 pair of gloves, and heat-resistant protective hoods.
Herb, who helped write the narrative for the grant application, said the funds are 95/5, meaning 95 percent of the funds come from the federal government grant, and the other 5 percent of the money for the purchases will come from matching funds from each local department.
Sacramento Fire Chief Ronald T. Radel said Sacramento Community Fire Company will use the $28,684 it was awarded to buy new radios, stabilization gear and rescue tools, similar to the "Jaws of Life." The current radios are about five to 10 years old.
In Hegins, $11,163 will go toward the purchase of new fire equipment. Hegins Fire Company Vice President Scott Updegrave said Hegins will be buying a thermal imaging camera and a multi-gas meter with the grant.
The other two local fire companies to receive money were located in Reinerton, which received $61,275, and Donaldson, which received $29,222.
Holden said since the grant program began, about $12.7 million has been awarded to Schuylkill County volunteer fire departments since 2001.
By law, Holden said, the majority of the grant funds must go to volunteer companies.
Holden called the grants a "good investment," and told the volunteers, "It's been a great honor working with you."
republicanherald.com/news/five-fire-departments-secure-federal-funds-1.657305
By Vicki Terwilliger (Staff Writer vicki-t@citizenstandard.com)
Published: March 5, 2010
VALLEY VIEW - Five fire departments in western Schuylkill County received federal funds Monday to boost their preparedness in the event of an emergency.
U.S. Rep. Tim Holden, D-17, delivered checks totaling more than $178,000 to the volunteer squads.
The federal grants were awarded under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. It awards grants directly to fire departments.
The funds will be used to make new equipment purchases, as well as replace outdated or worn-out equipment.
The Valley View Fire Department will use the $47,733 awarded to buy 25 sets of new turnout gear, replacing old protective clothing that is nearly 15 years old, according to Fire Chief Darren Herb. The funds will allow the department to purchase 25 coats, 25 pants, 30 pair of boots, five helmets, 30 pair of gloves, and heat-resistant protective hoods.
Herb, who helped write the narrative for the grant application, said the funds are 95/5, meaning 95 percent of the funds come from the federal government grant, and the other 5 percent of the money for the purchases will come from matching funds from each local department.
Sacramento Fire Chief Ronald T. Radel said Sacramento Community Fire Company will use the $28,684 it was awarded to buy new radios, stabilization gear and rescue tools, similar to the "Jaws of Life." The current radios are about five to 10 years old.
In Hegins, $11,163 will go toward the purchase of new fire equipment. Hegins Fire Company Vice President Scott Updegrave said Hegins will be buying a thermal imaging camera and a multi-gas meter with the grant.
The other two local fire companies to receive money were located in Reinerton, which received $61,275, and Donaldson, which received $29,222.
Holden said since the grant program began, about $12.7 million has been awarded to Schuylkill County volunteer fire departments since 2001.
By law, Holden said, the majority of the grant funds must go to volunteer companies.
Holden called the grants a "good investment," and told the volunteers, "It's been a great honor working with you."
republicanherald.com/news/five-fire-departments-secure-federal-funds-1.657305