July 23, 2008 05:12 pm
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Rapids Volunteer Fire Company has been awarded a federal Assistance to Firefighters grant from the Homeland Security Department.
The grant is for $120,525, the office of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer announced Wednesday.
The company will use the money to purchase up to 24 self-contained breathing apparatus, devices used by firefighters entering a burning structure, Chief Barry Kobrin said.
Assistance to Firefighters grants are awarded to help local fire departments improve the effectiveness of operations, Schumer’s office said. Money can be sought to secure emergency response training, improved emergency medical services, equipment and facility upgrades, development of new programs in fire education and prevention, and development of firefighter health, safety, wellness and fitness programs.
Congress authorized funding of $1 billion for the 2008 grant program. The program was created in 2001, after the terrorist attacks on American sites.
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