DIXFIELD — The Dixfield Fire Co. has won an $89,143 grant to pay for 13 new self-contained breather apparatus, Fire Chief Scott Dennett said.

The units being replaced are from 1998 to 2000, he said.

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant includes a 5 percent local match, bringing the total to $96,300. Dennett said Dixfield’s share will come out of the capital fund.

“I’m very pleased. This is a benefit to the taxpayers,” the chief said.

Dennett said this is his fifth attempt for a grant during his 11-year tenure as chief. He said the company won a grant more than 10 years ago for a compressed air system for the breathing apparatus units.

In a joint statement announcing the grants, U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King of Maine said, “The AFG program is a crucial source of support for the brave men and women of fire departments across Maine who protect our communities. This investment will help these fire departments acquire equipment and increase training to help keep our dedicated emergency responders healthy and safe.”

Dixfield was one of five Maine fire departments to win grants that total $551,431.

The others included:

* Caribou Fire and Ambulance, $253,334;

* Fort Kent Fire Department, $121,715;

* Farmingdale Fire Department, $68,572;

* Aurora Volunteer Fire Department, $18,667.

The AFG program is administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The program was created to help assist fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations with purchasing equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other resources to better protect the public and emergency personnel.

bfarrin@sunmediagroup.net

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