Ladora Fire Department receives grant
The Ladora Volunteer Fire Department received a $90,000 grant to buy all new equipment.
As part of his ongoing effort to support Iowa’s first responders, U.S. Senator Tom Harkin announced Aug. 5 that fire departments across the state received a total of $389,622 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) Program and Fire Prevention & Safety (FP&S) program. Harkin is a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“Iowa firefighters are brave public servants who help protect our families when disaster strikes,” Harkin said. “These grants will provide firefighters with the resources they need to effectively respond to emergencies and keep Iowans safe.”
The Ladora Fire Department received a $90,921 grant through the AFG program.
Ladora Fire Chief Brian Ward said the money will be used to purchase new pants, coats, boots, helmets, gloves, air packs and pagers.
“We will be able to buy everything for everybody in the department,” he said.
The department’s current equipment is over 20 years old, Ward said. The cylinders in the air packs are outdated and have to be put out of service.
He said it will take about a month for the equipment to be received.
The grant does require a 10 percent local match. Ward said cost for the the local match will probably be divided among the Ladora Fire Department, the City of Ladora and the township trustees.
The AFG Program helps Iowa communities purchase firefighting equipment, improve facilities and implement health and wellness programs. Fire departments can submit proposals to receive funds for new fire trucks, hoses, protective equipment, rescue vehicles and training for emergency personnel.
Although AFG Program assists rural, urban, and suburban fire departments throughout the United States, it places a particular emphasis on rural fire departments. At least 55 percent of the program’s funding must go to fire departments that use volunteer firefighters.
This means that smaller towns are not competing against larger cities. Additionally, the program allows smaller communities to contribute less in local funding. In today’s economy, this makes it possible for small fire departments to take advantage of the program.
FP&S grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to target high-risk populations and mitigate high incidences of death and injury.
Other fire departments receiving grants were:
• Olin Fire Department- $97,565
• Chester Fire Department- $74,089
• Fenton Fire Department- $7,648
• Agency Volunteer Fire and Rescue- $90,098
• Hiawatha Fire Department- $29,301
UPDATED August 12, 2009 10:13 AM