The grant funding will be used by the Vancouver Fire Department for two projects
VANCOUVER — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Vancouver Fire Department a $937,000 grant under FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program.
The grant funding will be used by the Vancouver Fire Department for two projects: replacing 107 Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) units that do not meet the current National Fire Protection Association standards specialized training in hazardous materials response and incident management for fire department staff.
“This grant funding allows us to move forward with replacing vitally important equipment and provide additional training for fire department staff,” said Vancouver Fire Chief Joe Molina. “The SCBAs provide breathable air in dangerous atmospheres and are one of the most essential pieces of personal protective equipment in the fire service today. And the ability to send our staff to hazardous materials response training will help us create strong response plans for addressing these types of risks. The Vancouver Fire Department would like to express its thanks and appreciation for this grant.”
The Vancouver Fire Department anticipates purchasing the replacement equipment and beginning to send staff to training by early next year.
“The city of Vancouver is grateful for the support of our congressional delegation in securing this grant,” said Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle. “We’d especially like to thank Congresswoman Jamie Herrera Beutler for her advocacy.”
The AFG program is administered by FEMA for the purpose of enhancing the safety of the public and firefighters with respect to fire and fire-related hazards, providing critically needed resources that equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhancing operational efficiencies, fostering interoperability, and supporting community resilience.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
