PIFD receives federal grant
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Fire Department got an early Christmas present, with the announcement it would be receiving a grant for nearly $57,000.
U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, released word on Dec. 14 that the Department of Homeland Security has awarded $56,768 in grant funding to the Presque Isle Fire Department. The funding is provided through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, or FIRE Act.
“Our career and volunteer firefighters are among our bravest public servants. The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is an extremely critical source of funds for our fire and rescue personnel,” said Collins. “Since the creation of this program, Maine fire departments have been awarded more than $54 million to help purchase new, used or refurbished vehicles, and to obtain equipment for firefighting, interoperable communications, chemical detection and other purposes that are essential to first responders.”
Chief Darrell White of the Presque Isle Fire Department said the money comes at a crucial time for his department, as it continues to try to provide the best service possible with an ever-tightening budget. The grant money will be used to replace equipment that’s nearly 30 years old.
“The grant will be used to purchase new fire hoses. The hoses we have — some are nearly 30 years old. We’ve had some fail in testing,” said White.
In addition, White said other accessories will be purchased.
“We’ll also be replacing nozzles and related appliances that are used with the hoses,” said White.
Funding will be distributed to the PIFD through the Operations and Firefighting Safety Program, which consists of training, equipment, wellness and fitness, and modifications to the departments’ facilities.
Collins, the founder and co-chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, helped create the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, and is fighting to continue it. These grants are awarded to fire departments across the United States to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, emergency medical services programs, fire prevention and safety programs, and to purchase new fire equipment. So far, in calendar year 2011, fire departments across Maine have received more than $1 million in program funding.
