Congressman Visclosky announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a grant to Northwest Indiana fire departments under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
The $968,192 grant award will be used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses for the fire departments of Crown Point, Hobart, Lake of the Four Seasons, and Schererville. According to FEMA, the primary goal 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 efficiencies.
Congressman Pete Visclosky stated, “It is encouraging to see how our Northwest Indiana fire departments, who often help one another during emergencies, are also helping each other by successfully applying for federal resources to support firefighters as a region. I commend you on your initiative and appreciate the invaluable services that your firefighters provide every day to Northwest Indiana communities.”
City of Crown Point Fire Department Chief Dave Crane stated, “Self-contained breathing apparatuses are an essential tool for firefighters and are used in any type of unsafe environment. We are pleased that this funding will provide our firefighters with the necessary and compliant equipment they need to protect themselves and respond to emergencies.”
City of Hobart Fire Department Chief Randy Smith stated, “Our department is glad to receive this helpful federal grant. I commend Mr. Robert Scott of our team and his dedication to facilitate such a well-written and successful regional grant application.”
Lake of the Four Seasons Fire Department Chief Jason Gikas stated, “This grant announcement made my week and will help our department update our equipment. I hope we can continue to look for opportunities to successfully apply for resources with other regional departments in the future.”
Schererville Fire Department Chief Bob Patterson stated, “Our department had a desperate need to replace aging equipment that was scheduled to expire next year. We are very appreciative of this successful outcome and hope to continue to work with other Northwest Indiana fire departments to apply for additional resources.”
For additional information on FEMA’s AFG program, click here.