Spokane Fire Department awarded grant for equipment purchase

The Spokane Fire Department has been awarded a Federal grant through the "2008 Assistance to Firefighter Grants" under the program at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant program provides funds to the nation's firefighters to increase the effectiveness of fire department operations, improve fire fighter health and safety programs, purchase new equipment, and enhance EMS programs, and support prevention and safety programs.

The Fire Department's project under the grant is for replacement of existing Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). The approved project costs total to $920,527.00. The Federal share is 80 percent or $736,422.00 of the approved amount and the SFD's share of the costs is 20 percent or $184,105.00.

Once approved by the City, members from the City fire Department will begin a selection process to determine the type and manufacturer of SCBA to purchase. Firefighters, Officers and Chiefs will participate in an intensive, hands-on evaluation of different models to ensure the highest level of safety to the City's Firefighters. This evaluation is expected to take place during the first part of January 2009.

For more information on the AFG program visit

http://www.firegrantsupport.com/afg/