(KAIR)--Atchison firefighters recently learned that they will be receiving more than $100,000 from a federal grant, which will help the department buy new breathing equipment and a few sets of gear.
Self-contained breathing apparatus allow emergency responders to breathe during smoky or other hazardous conditions. Obviously key for firefighters, the grant, which is actually $111,585, will allow the department to replace all 18 currently operating air packs.
The Atchison Fire Department will also use the grant to purchase four new sets of turnout gear, the protective equipment they wear while fighting fires. “Obviously it’s a huge need for us,” Atchison Fire Chief Ted Graf said. “That money is not something that is easy for the city to come up with.”
Graf said the SCBA equipment usually costs about $6,000 each, with the gear about $2,200 apiece. The grant covers 95 percent of the costs for the equipment and comes from the federally funded Assistance to Firefighters Grant.
“This is a tremendous award for us,” Captain Pat Weishaar said. “Without this funding it would be very difficult to budget for such costly equipment - equipment that is vital to firefighting.”
Graf said that the grant will allow his department to replace 21-year-old equipment. “In 20 years the technology has changed,” Graf said. “This has a better ergonomic fit, providing better comfort. The newer equipment is lighter. We can even track our firefighters while operating in an area. We know their locations and even their air levels.”
There were 670 grants awarded nationwide. Atchison firefighters were notified of the grant award on August 17.
Weishaar wrote the grant application, with help from City Finance Manager Cari Strieby and City Manager Becky Berger.
© Many Signals Communcations
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Fentanyl find nets four in two Atchison cases
Wanted felon arrested in Hiawatha
St. Joseph teacher arrested for student sex crimes
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Four injured in Richardson Co rollover crash
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Ozawkie man facing multiple child sex charges
Support sought for fire ravaged family
Public health advisory issued for local lake
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Sabetha man arrested on drug charges
Armed felon found, arrested, in Jackson Co
One dead following Jackson Co car-deer collision
4th candidate files for local KS House seat
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
State Board approves land transfer agreements
Potts first to file for Sheriff's seat in Atchison Co
LATEST STORIES
Richardson County Board receives organization updates
Only minor flooding continues along Missouri River
One dead following Jackson Co car-deer collision
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
KS DCF provides dollars for youth lunch
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Paxico man arrested in Jackson Co on drug charges