The CVFD is pleased to announce that we have been awarded a grant from FEMA through the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program that will enable the department to purchase new Self Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA). The department’s current SCBA do not meet any federal respiratory standard. The new compliant SCBA will better protect the firefighters during operations in smoky and other hazardous conditions. We will also be able to replace our air cylinder compressor and filling station, which has flooded twice in recent years.
The AFG awards grants for a wide variety of fire service needs and are very competitive. The $215,200 grant only requires a 5% match from the department, saving the community over $200,000 on the purchase. On average, a complete SCBA unit with a mask and spare cylinder costs around $7,000. In addition to the compressor and fill station, the department plans to purchase 19 new SCBA with the federal funds.
Fire Chief Glenn Rainey says he is very proud that the grant opportunity was approved. “We’ve been fortunate in applying and receiving grants over the years, and this one makes a huge impact on the safety of our crews.” said Rainey. “The SCBA we are replacing do not meet any of today’s protection standards.”
