GURNEE, IL – The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded the Gurnee Fire Department (GFD) a $78,000 grant for the purchase of one self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cascade and filling station for Fire Station #2 and one washer/extractor for each fire station. This purchase assists the GFD with remaining compliant with government and industry professional standards aimed at promoting the health and safety of its firefighters, visitors, and the citizens of the Village of Gurnee and Warren Waukegan Fire Protection District.

 

During an interview with Fire Chief Fred Friedl, the Chief/Administrator of the Gurnee Fire Department, he stated, “We are extremely pleased to have received this grant during these economic times. There is no resource more valuable than an in-service firefighter, and this equipment helps ensure that both the Gurnee Fire Department and any other emergency responders will be fully prepared to respond.”

 

Chief Friedl also added, “I would also like to thank the Fire Department Grant Committee for their outstanding work with this project.” The grant proposal was written and submitted by a Fire Department Committee consisting of Deputy Chief John Kavanagh, Quartermaster / Firefighter Michael Swiontek and SCBA Coordinator Matt Sondej.

 

SCBA Bottle Cascade stations refill a breathing apparatus with air that the firefighter utilizes while responding to an event. The new station will include universal adapters that will allow neighboring fire departments to use the station should they be required to respond to an event in the Village or District. The washer/extractors will allow for better and more efficient cleaning of personal protective equipment, a critical safety component for firefighters.

 

The grant was awarded as part of FEMA’s 2010 Assistant to Firefighters grant program, which awards grant to enhance a fire department’s ability to protect the public and fire service personnel from fire and related hazards. Over $8,000,000 was awarded to fire departments across the State of Illinois.

 

For more information on the Gurnee Fire Department’s Medical Fire Prevention and Public Education efforts, please visit: http://www.gurnee.il.us/fire/index.html 

 

For more information on the Fiscal Year 2010 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, please visit: http://www.firegrantsupport.com/content/html/afg/