LISBON – The Department of Homeland Security has announced Assistance to Firefighters grants totaling $1,304,966 to 16 fire Departments in Maine, including Lisbon, which will get $56,196.

The latest round of grants will help Maine fire departments purchase firefighting equipment, fund firefighter health and safety programs, enhance emergency medical services programs, and conduct fire education and prevention programs, said Homeland Security Dept. spokesman Marty Bahamonde.

Lisbon Fire Chief P. Sean Galipeau, who was very pleased with Lisbon’s award, said the money will be used for operations and firefighter safety equipment. This will include providing the rapid intervention team with its own tools: upgrading all self-contained breathing equipment to the new standards; a thermal imaging camera; two AED defibrillators; a cuttersedge saw; personal escape rope bags for firefighters to keep on their side if a second floor escape is necessary; spare air bottles; nozzels and hoses; and four bags of 2001 search rope, commercial-type.

Since becoming chief, Galipeau said his department has received two local EMA grants from FEMA, $55,000 in 2003 and $5,000 in 2004. He credited Deputy Chief Mike Robitaille for writing the grant applications. Galipeau anticipates the latest grant monies to arrive in 3 to 6 weeks.