Today, Congressman Pete Visclosky announced grant awards to Portage and Burns Harbor under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. Grants distributed under this program are designed to enhance the service that fire departments and emergency responders provide to their communities by improving operations and safety.
With this grant, the Burns Harbor Fire Department will be able to replace its existing fire hose and nozzles. According to Chief William Arney, the current hose being utilized is placed out of service annually due to wear and tear. In addition to the hose replacement, the Department will purchase two blitz fire nozzles that will be used in firefighting and in hazardous material situations. The Department also will purchase other up-to-date equipment that will help make firefighters safer. Chief Arney added that he would like to thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Town of Burns Harbor for their continued support.
Congressman Visclosky said, “I am happy to announce these grants to our local fire departments. The funds will keep these heroic individuals safe and allow them to more efficiently and effectively provide for the public safety of Burns Harbor and Portage citizens.”
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is run by the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. For more information about the program, visit http://www.fema.gov/firegrants/.
Burns Harbor Fire Department will receive $52,146.
Portage Fire Department will receive $741,150.