The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced that four Maine fire departments, including two in Aroostook County, have been earmarked to receive federal grant funds.
FEMA will award North Lakes Fire & Rescue, which covers the areas of Sinclair, Cross Lake, Square Lake and Madawaska Lake, a total of $24,953 as part of the Assistance to Firefighter Grant (AFG).
Also slated for grants are the Littleton Fire Department, which will receive $8,096; the Skowhegan Fire Department, $871,429; and the Andover Fire Department, $21,429.
Chief Darren R. Woods of North Lakes Fire & Rescue said the money will purchase a special firefighter turnout gear washer and dryer along with assorted water supply equipment.
“We are very pleased about the receipt of this grant,” he said. “Without this funding, we would not have been able to purchase this equipment that will offer our firefighters an increased level of protection by removing contaminants from their firefighting gear that may cause health issues for them such as cancer.
“Firefighting is inherently dangerous,” added Woods. “We need to put our people first, and do everything we can to make sure they go home safe after the call.”
The total cost of this project is $26,200. The grant will cover the greatest part of the cost, with the department picking up the remaining $1,247.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King, along with Rep, Bruce Poliquin, issued a joint statement praising the funding. “The daily sacrifices made by our firefighters are instrumental to the safety of Maine’s tight-knit communities,” they said in a joint statement. “This AFG grant will help give our firefighters more resources to ensure their safety as they protect our communities.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant was created to help provide funds for fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical service organizations so they can purchase equipment, protective gear, emergency vehicles, training and other resources to better protect the public and emergency personnel.
More information can be found at the department’s website at www.northlakesfire.org.
