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Hoekstra announces Allendale Fire Department to receive $63,791 grant
Assistance to Firefighters Grant to fund fire station carbon monoxide exhaust system, protective suits
Washington,
Dec 13, 2003 -
U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland, announced on Thursday that the Allendale Township Fire Department will receive a grant worth $63,791 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, largely to fund a carbon monoxide emissions exhaust system at the fire station.
“Allendale Township first responders do not hesitate when lives and property are in danger,” Hoekstra said. “This funding will help them acquire first-rate equipment that will allow them to better protect their health when responding to emergencies.”
Carbon monoxide from emissions currently fills up the fire barn whenever firefighters start their vehicles. The new exhaust system will consist of hoses hanging from a track device near the ceiling that attach to the exhaust pipes of vehicles. The ignition of the vehicles triggers the exhaust system, and the hoses remain attached until the moment they leave the fire barn.
“This grant will improve the air quality in the station by removing the unhealthy exhaust fumes our firefighters currently breathe whenever they respond to emergencies,” Allendale Township Fire Chief Fred Langeland said.
The remainder of the grant provides funding for jumpsuits and masks that will help protect firefighters when responding to emergencies involving chemical or germ agents.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program is administered by the U.S. Fire Administration, part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and assists rural, urban and suburban fire departments throughout the United States. These funds are used by the nation’s firefighters to increase the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, new fire apparatus, emergency medical service programs and fire prevention and fire safety programs.
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