FEMA funds to help fire dept.

City accepts grant to buy breathing equipment.

The Huber Heights Fire Department will purchase 33 self-contained breathing apparatus with a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The department received a $216,846 grant from FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Program to help pay for the breathing equipment.

The total cost of the project is $238,530, and the city will cover $21,684. FEMA requires departments to provide a 10 percent match.

Fire Chief Mark Ashworth said city leaders on Monday night approved advertising for bids/proposals.

The department applied for the grant during the 2017 application period and was notified it received the award on Sept. 14, 2018. The city approved the acceptance at the Oct. 8 council meeting.

“Any money we can capture from grants will help keep funds higher in the city’s budget,” said Ashworth. “We look for grants to fund big ticket items.”

The program is designed for departments to pick a project, like equipment, to replace.

The Assistance to Firefighters Program’s goal is to add to the safety of the public and firefighters. The program helps provide direct financial assistance to any eligible department across the U.S.

This funding is for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience, according to FEMA’s website.

Self-contained breathing apparatus are devices worn by firefighters to provide breathable air while in a fire or hazardous situation.

Visit the city’s website for more information on bidding requirements or contact Ashworth at 937-2331564 for more information. Contact this reporter at 937225-0730 or email Emily. Kronenberger@coxinc.com.