WATERFORD – The Waterford Fire Department is getting $172,800 from the federal government to train firefighters and to buy fire-fighting equipment.
The money is from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which approved a grant request written by Assistant Fire Chief Bill Haynes and filed online by John Martin.
It will pay for 10 self-contained breathing devices and a 40-foot mobile trailer that can be set ablaze so firefighters can practice extinguishing fire in a building.
“Our SCBAs are about 15 to 20 years old,” Martin said of the self-contained breathing apparatus. “They are not obsolete, but standards have changed so much that it behooves us to get new stuff. It’s harder and harder to keep the SCBAs current. Companies have stopped making parts for them,” he said.
The trailer can be set ablaze inside by using propane and gives firefighters experience in knocking down flames in a building.
“One of the problems we have, and we’re very fortunate to have, is that we don’t have that many fires,” Martin said. “Our firefighters can gain experience by training a lot more often and that will keep the Fire Department in better shape.”
“Not only will we be able to train our own personnel in interior attack procedures and search and rescue,” Haynes said, “but we will also be able to practice with neighboring departments at various locations throughout our mutual aid area. We’re also hoping the new equipment will attract some additional members. Our chief, Brad Grover, is quite excited about the positive effect the grant will have on our department.”
Martin said the grant also pays for an instructor to teach firefighters in the all-volunteer department how to operate the trailer.
He said officials are looking at trailers from California and Canada, and have not decided which one to buy.
The town will kick $19,200, which means the department will have a total of $192,000 to spend. The town’s share will come from the equipment account.
“The $172,800 should be plopping into our checking account electronically any moment now,” Haynes said.
jsmedley@sunjournal.com
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