Aaron Mielke, Assistant Fire Chief, notified the city that the Grand Marais Fire Department had received $65,637.14 from FEMA for a firefighter grant.
Along with the grant, the city agreed to pay a five percent match, which totals $3,281.86.
The grant application was submitted under the Grants Program Directorate’s fiscal year 2019 Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG). Mielke noted the request had been for $87,500 in federal funding from the AFG program, but the lower amount received would work for the department.
If the full amount had been awarded, the plan was to purchase nine complete sets of high pressure self-contained breathing units (SCBA), and the equipment used for them.
“This will ensure every firefighter who uses a self-contained breathing apparatus will have his or her own mask rather than sharing common masks. It will also ensure that every applicable seated riding position within our vehicle fleet will be equipped with a unit,” said Mielke in an email to the city council.
A voice amplification system will allow for clear communication and the 45-minute cylinders will ensure firefighters have ample air on the fire scene.
Although the grant request was short of the initial $87,000 request, Mielke noted, “We can certainly make adjustments to make this amount work.”
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