Today, Congressman Frank J. Mrvan announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded grants to Northwest Indiana fire departments under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
The City of Crown Point received a $90,909 grant award that will fund the installation of a new exhaust capture system, and includes the equipment for 13 vehicles to be magnetically connected to a capture system that will remove exhaust to the exterior of the fire station.
An additional grant award of $307,976 will be used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses for the Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Michiana Shores Volunteer Fire Department, and LaPorte County Hazmat.
According to FEMA, the mission of the AFG program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters, and this funding is used for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel and enhance operations.
Congressman Mrvan stated, “I am grateful every day for the selfless sacrifice and service of our firefighters and all of our first responders. I commend the initiative of these Northwest Indiana municipalities for successfully identifying this federal resource, and collaborating in order to improve the safety of our brave firefighters and emergency personnel.”
City of Crown Point Fire Department Assistant Chief Mark Baumgardner said, “ We are very thankful and fortunate to receive this grant funding. Our city invests a lot of time and money into protecting our firefighters, from hazardous environments at fire scenes and medical incidents. This project will help protect our firefighters from hazardous carcinogens inside our own firehouse.”
Long Beach Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Kurt Earnst stated, “We are thrilled to receive this federal resource to purchase new self-contained breathing apparatuses. This will replace our old equipment and help improve the safety of not just our firefighters but also our communities.”
Director of the LaPorte County Hazmat Jeff Hamilton stated, “These updated breathing apparatuses will greatly assist our personnel in responding to emergency situations and chemical leaks. We appreciate the opportunity to work together with our other regional fire departments to improve the strength of our application and receive this helpful federal funding.”
For additional information on FEMA’s AFG program, click here.