Ridgetop Volunteer Fire Department Receives Federal Grant
January 2, 2008, RIDGETOP – The Ridgetop Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $20,995 U.S. Department of Homeland Security operations and safety grant, U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon announced.
“Many communities struggle to maintain EMS and firefighting services,” said Gordon, a member of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus. “Even though demands on EMS providers and firefighters have increased tremendously over the years, the resources they depend on to provide their life-saving services have not.
“That’s why Congress initiated the Assistance to Firefighters Program, which is similar to the highly successful COPS program that put more than 100,000 new police officers on the nation’s streets.”
Ridgetop VFD Assistant Chief Frank Friedmann said the department will purchase protective coats and pants for its firefighters to wear when responding to emergencies.
“We are very pleased to have been awarded this grant,” Friedmann said. “The money will go toward the purchase of new turnout gear. Our firefighters volunteer time to protect the community, and this grant provides a means to ensure they are safely protecting in performing that duty.”
