WASHINGTON –The Mattoon Fire Department was awarded an Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) through the Department of Homeland Security, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) announced on Monday, May 15th.
Mattoon Fire Chief, Tony Nichols, said the grant funds, totaling $5,715, will be used to purchase one air pack in order to rescue a down fireman. The one hour, self-contained breathing apparatus includes a quick connect and high visibility container for attaching to the down fireman’s equipment.
“I commend the Mattoon Fire Department for their hard work to obtain this competitive federal grant funding,” Shimkus said. “My office can help with fire grants as well as any other federal grant program application.”
The AFG Program awards grants for first-responders to obtain emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, firefighting and emergency vehicles, and training. Fire departments, non-hospital-affiliated emergency medical services, and state fire training academies are eligible for AFG grants.