Chief Message
On August 29th at the District Board of Directors meeting, the Board approved acceptance of an award by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFG) of $556,000 to replace our 26 year old heavy rescue apparatus. The grant performance window is tight (one year) so staff worked diligently to complete detailed specifications of the new apparatus for Board approval to place the order at the same time. The full cost of the unit is $589,000 which is payable upon delivery July 2, 2018. The heavy rescue apparatus is essentially a very large custom tool box on wheels that transports specialized rescue equipment for structural collapse, confined space, trench, (all types of entrapment requiring extrication) and high and low angle rescue. It also has a large generator; powerful lights on a light tower (72,000 lumens) and a breathing air re-supply system for extended operations. Staff is ecstatic about this grant award due to the enhancements of safety and capability it will provide without impacting other future apparatus replacement needs.