Fire department gets federal grant to buy new breathing apparatuses

Washington firefighters will soon be able to breathe a little easier now that a federal grant is enabling Fire Chief Alan Poss to purchase 20 new breathing apparatus units.

The Washington Fire Department will receive an $80,275 grant as a part of the Federal Department of Homeland Security's Assistance to Firefighters grant program.

The breathing apparatus is a vital part of a firefighter's protective equipment, allowing the firefighter to breathe safe clean air even in a smoky, toxic fire.

The new units will replace the 15- and 20-year old air mask systems in use now. "These new ones are four to six generations newer and better than the ones we have, that date from the early '90s," Chief Poss said. "This will allow us to just about completely replace the old units with new. We'll meet all the national firefighting association's specs and requirements with these new units."

This was the second "Assistance to Firefighters" grant that Poss has applied for and received, he said.

The grant was announced by the offices of U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss last week.

"This funding will go a long way to help ensure that Georgia's first responders have the resources necessary to protect families and communities across the state," Isakson said. "This grant fills an important need for firefighters in the city of Washington."

Chambliss said that local firefighters and emergency workers provide the first defense to natural disasters, accidents, and terrorist attacks. "It is because these brave men and women are often the first on the scene of any incident that we must continue to ensure they have the tools and training they need to do their jobs safely and efficiently. I look forward to continuing to work with local fire departments and emergency responders across the state to ensure they have the resources they need."

The Homeland Security grant program awarded some $650 million in one-year grants directly to firefighters. The City of Washington funds were awarded through the Operations and Safety Program of the Assistance to Firefighters program, which is designed to help departments with training, equipment, personal protective equipment, and other areas.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
The Office Cat	2
Neighborhood vandalism is out of control	1
The Office Cat	1
Drug problem growing; little is being done	1
The Office Cat	1
Family escapes death in semi hit-and-run	1
Feed a family of four for $10 a week	1