FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chardon FD receives $145,000 federal grant for turnout gear and Airpacks.
10/2003 - Chardon, OH
The Chardon Fire Department was recently awarded a $145,000 federal grant to
purchase turnout gear (helmets, boots, fire coats, fire pants, gloves, etc.) and
new airpacks. The grant, which is part of the F.I.R.E. Act grant program
through FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) came after two years of grant
denials. This year, Chief Larry Gaspar requested letters of support from
officials at the City of Chardon, Chardon Township, and Claridon Township.
Gaspar received a call from U.S. Representative Steven LaTourette, informing
him of the grant acceptance. The highly competitive grant is part of a
$750 million allocation granted to some applying fire departments,
nationwide. Gaspar indicated that the grant will cover 90% of the costs
involved, while the Chardon Fire Department will pick up the remaining $14,502.
Some of the current airpacks were well over 15 years old, with eroding masks
and fittings. Most of the turnout gear is over 10 years old. Most of
the old airpacks have an external PAS alarm, which must be manually turned on,
thus presenting a human-error factor. A PAS alarm emits a high-pitched
alarm when a firefighter is injured and not moving. The new airpacks will
have an integrated PAS alarm, which activates when the air is turned on.
The new airpacks have masks that even allow eyeglasses to be worn with the
mask. Part of the airpack purchase will include a few dedicated "RIT"
packs, with a special rescue attachment, which enables a Rapid Intervention Team
(RIT crew) to tie in an injured firefighter's mask to the pack. These will
be strategically placed on certain engines. Neighboring departments will
drill with Chardon firefighters to become familiar with the "tie-in"
process. The grant will allow each
firefighter to have their own mask, thus eliminating the chances of disease
transmission, when multiple firefighters use the same mask.
All firefighters have been measured for turnout gear size and fit, as each
set of gear must be individually fitted. The new gear is made of a special
material that repels heat and fire, while remaining lightweight and
durable. A gradual change-over to a specific, more durable helmet is also
part of the grant funding.
The City of
Chardon recently passed a resolution praising Chief Gaspar and the fire
department for the grant award. The Chardon Fire Department wishes to
thank all of the legislators and community officials who assisted in getting the
grant approved.
For More Information Contact:
Chardon Fire Department
110 S. Hambden St. Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440-285-4665
FAX: 440-285-8320
Webmaster: Capt. John Blauch
