Federal grant buys Mich. firefighters protective equipment
From local reports
Muskegon Chronicle
WHITE LAKE. Mich. — A federal grant will allow the White Lake Fire Authority to update some of its protective equipment for firefighters.
The Authority received a $58,030 Assistance to Firefighters Grant from the Department of Homeland Security to purchase 27 sets of personal protective equipment, including turnout coats and pants, boots, helmets, gloves and other items that firefighters wear when responding to emergencies.
"The equipment that we currently use is beginning to show its age and several sets are beyond repair," said Authority Lt. Brian Stevens. "Our efforts to replace it had been falling behind due to lack of funding, so the Department of Homeland Security Assistance to Firefighters grant will, beyond a doubt, remedy that problem."
The primary goal of this particular grant program is to meet the firefighting and emergency response needs of fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services organizations. Since 2001, the program has helped firefighters and other first-responders obtain critically needed equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to protect the public and emergency personnel.
"The local economy is creating a barrier for local fire departments to access the equipment necessary to ensure the safety of firefighters and the communities that they protect," said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. "The grant will enable the White Lake Fire Authority to upgrade its capabilities without stressing local resources."
|
Most Commented Articles