SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Fire Department announced that they’ve been awarded a $58,564 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighter’s Program.
The federal program strives to meet the emergency response needs for both fire departments and non-affiliated emergency medical service organizations. The Assistance to Firefighter Grant has helped first responders receive equipment like protective gear, emergency vehicles, training, and other aspects since 2001.
Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson. (WNG File Photo)
The $58,564 grant is going towards replacing the department’s 30-year-old breathing air compressor with a brand new one. According to Southwick Fire Chief Russ Anderson, the department purchased the previous air compressor in 2000 and noted that it is well beyond its life cycle.
The new air compressor will be primarily used to fill the station’s Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). A device worn by firefighters and other first responders, an SCBA provides breathable air during a time when the atmosphere is dangerous to someone’s health and life.
“The breathing apparatus is crucial equipment to improve firefighter safety and public safety,” said Anderson. “It’s probably one of the most crucial pieces of equipment.”
When speaking to The Westfield News more in depth about the announcement of the grant, Anderson acknowledged that the new air compressor will help the SCBA fill faster and give higher pressures.
Anderson also added that the town of Southwick will have to pay $2,865 of the $58,564 grant. Since the grant is from the federal government, a municipality is required to pay 5% of the grant and the federal agency will pay the remaining 95%.
In January, Anderson informed the Select Board about the grant opportunity and was given approval from the Select Board to apply for it. In 2017, the fire department received a grant from FEMA to replace their old air packs.
