Congressman Visclosky announced today that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded a grant to three Porter County fire departments under the Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
The $452,857 grant award will be used to purchase self-contained breathing apparatuses for the Hebron Volunteer Fire Department, the Kouts Volunteer Fire Department, and the Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department.
According to FEMA, the primary goal of the AFG program is to enhance the safety of the public and firefighters, and this funding is used for critically needed resources to equip and train emergency personnel to recognized standards, enhance operations efficiencies, foster interoperability, and support community resilience.
Congressman Pete Visclosky stated, “I congratulate the leadership of these fire departments for their initiative to collaborate together, pool their resources, and successfully utilize this federal resource. Your firefighters provide an invaluable service to communities in times of great need, and I appreciate that this funding will further enhance your operations and the safety of your workforce.”
Hebron Volunteer Fire Department Chief Chad Franzman stated, “This equipment is a key component of ensuring that our first responders are able to do their job safely and return home to their families after an emergency. I thank Congressman Visclosky, FEMA, the Kouts and Morgan Township Fire Departments, and all the others involved in this process for their support and help to secure this vital funding.”
Kouts Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jeremy Gettler stated, “This funding will allow us to equip our personnel with much needed self-contained breathing apparatuses. Upgrading this necessary equipment will help protect our firefighters and citizens alike during responses to emergencies.”
Morgan Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Brad King stated, “We greatly appreciate that this funding will be used to keep our active firefighters safe in their duties. I look forward to continuing to work with other fire departments in applying for federal funding resources.”
For additional information on FEMA’s AFG program, click here.