12.18.2008
Springfield, Missouri – Southwest Missouri Congressman Roy Blunt notified fire departments based in Washburn, Purdy, and Purcell, Missouri that the US Department of Homeland Security approved a grant for each department, totaling $313,000, to purchase new equipment.
“The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program (AFGP) helps improve the equipment, training and effectiveness of rural firefighters across the country and here in Southwest Missouri,” Congressman Blunt said. “These grants improve the safety of volunteers, enhance the protection they provide to our local communities and drive down insurance costs.”
The largest of the three grants will go to the Washburn Fire Department in Barry County to purchase a new fire truck. “We have been applying for five years for a new firefighting vehicle to replace our model 1960 truck,” Washburn Fire Chief Jeff Barber said after learning of his department’s $236,000 grant. “The new truck will make a huge difference in our fire district, one of the largest in the state which includes parts of both Barry and McDonald Counties.”
“We have top-notch gear thanks to the federal assistance program,” Tri-Cities Fire Protection District Chief Mike Garrett said. “This is our fourth grant and it has made a major difference in the services we can provide.” The Tri-Cities district will use their grant, $28,975, to outfit a truck with equipment for use in responding to car crashes and other emergencies.
The Purdy Fire Protection District will receive $48,369. Fire Chief Michael Redshaw said, “We will invest in water supply equipment. We need more capability to draw large quantities of water from ponds, creeks and impoundments. Specialized hoses, adaptors and pumps to filter and direct that kind of water volume are key in using these resources.”
Each grant requires a five percent match in funding from the local department.