The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recently announced that the Landrum Area Fire and Rescue District (LAFRD) was awarded a 2023 Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) in the amount of $ 152,943.80. These funds will be used by the district to replace aging self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), also known as “airpacks,” that are required for effective interior firefighting operations. This grant comes at a critical time when the district would otherwise be required to fund these necessary purchases through local tax monies. The grant requires a local match where the district will pay $7,647.20 and realize substantial savings to the district and local taxpayers.
“Our SCBAs were nearing the end of their useful lives, and we pursued this grant opportunity for the past few years. Fresh, breathable air is paramount for our firefighters to do their jobs, and we can now take a deep breath ourselves that these new airpacks will be on the job for years to come,” according to Chief Warren Ashmore.
Commission Chair Pam Hilsman added, “Our commission takes taxpayer investment seriously, and when there is a chance to find outside funding sources to pay for district needs, we encourage our personnel to pursue those opportunities. We are excited to provide our personnel with this new equipment and want to offer our thanks to the staff members who were so diligent in reaching out for this grant.”